Posted by SLS on September 14, 2014, at 12:20:51
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein in the brain that protects neurons (neuroprotection) from stress-induced damage and tissue atrophy. It also promotes the growth of existing neurons and produces the formation and reinforcement of neuronal connections (dendritic spines). These things are necessary conditions for ketamine to produce an antidepressant effect. Recently, this association has been demonstrated for the medial prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in depression.
There are two different versions (alleles) of the gene that codes for BDNF (V or M). They differ in their efficiencies to manufacture and transport BDNF in the cell. Each person inherits two alleles for this gene; one from each parent. Thus, there are three possible combinations of the two alleles for the BDNF gene. People who have VV respond best to ketamine. People who have VM respond less well. People who have MM won't respond at all.
V = valine
M = methionine
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1071129
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140914/msgs/1071129.html