Titolo progetto: PRIN2022 -The additive effect of ketamine in combination with electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) in major depressive disorder (MDD): a translational study

Programma di finanziamento: PRIN 2022

Responsabile scientifico: prof.ssa Tiziana Bove

Ruolo del DAME: partner

Descrizione generale:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disease characterized by a decrease in mood. For instance, ketamine is a rapid-acting antidepressant showing efficacy for treating MDD. In addition, electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) is considered an option for patients with MDD if they have not responded to pharmacological treatments, but it is often accompanied by cognitive side effects.

Employing a multidisciplinary approach spanning from behavioral paradigms, electrophysiology, optogenetics, morphology and biochemical analysis, we will first investigate the ability of ketamine to potentiate the antidepressant effect of the ECS without causing cognitive impairment related to ECS in a mouse model of depression. Moreover, we will study how the combination of ketamine and ECS will impact neuronal circuitries and biomarkers in brain regions involved in MDD.

Next, we will study the ability of ketamine as add-on in ECS to modulate the behavior as well as plasmatic biomarkers levels in MDD patients.

Partner del progetto:                                                                                

• Libera Università "Vita Salute S. Raffaele" - Milano
• Università degli Studi di Udine

Date inizio e fine progetto: 18.10.2023 – 17.10.2025

Budget totale del progetto: 72.299,00€

Sito web: https://prin.mur.gov.it/ 

Finanziato dall’Unione europea – Next Generation EU