European journal of pharmacology
December 15, 2006
Roman Paškulin, Polona Jamnik, Marko Živin et al.
24 citations
Ibogaine, an alkaloid from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, reduces withdrawal symptoms in animal models of drug addiction, and its effects outlast its presence in the body, suggesting lasting metabolic changes. In rats given a single 20 mg/kg dose, brain protein analysis at 24 and 72 hours revealed increased levels of key energy-metabolism enzymes: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, aldolase A, pyruvate kinase, and malate dehydrogenase. These enzymes are involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The findings indicate that ibogaine's anti-addiction effects may arise from enhanced energy availability, supporting cellular changes needed for detoxification and reversal of drug tolerance.
PloS one
January 1, 2024
Kristian Elersič, Anamarija Banjac, Marko Živin et al.
6 citations
Ketamine's antidepressant potential is limited by side effects such as motor impairment. In rats, repeated low doses of ketamine enantiomers produced distinct behavioral changes. S-ketamine at 15 mg/kg caused initial locomotor stimulation and ataxia, while repeated administration led to locomotor sensitization and tolerance to ataxia. R-ketamine at 15 mg/kg also stimulated locomotion and caused sensitization but did not induce ataxia or reduce natural behaviors like grooming and rearing. Higher doses of racemic ketamine (30 mg/kg) produced both stimulation and ataxia. Overall, S-ketamine had stronger behavioral effects than R-ketamine, suggesting R-ketamine may have a more favorable side-effect profile.
Journal of psychiatric research
April 1, 2025
Kristian Elersič, Anamarija Banjac, Marko Živin et al.
3 citations
Ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, is a racemic mixture of R- and S-ketamine. In a preclinical study using Wistar-Kyoto rats (a depression model) and Wistar rats (controls), researchers compared behavioral effects of R- and S-ketamine at 10 mg/kg in a clinically relevant treatment protocol. S-ketamine produced stronger acute psychomotor effects (locomotor stimulation, ataxia, stereotypy) than R-ketamine, and Wistar-Kyoto rats were more sensitive to these effects. After repeated treatment, sensitization to locomotor stimulation and tolerance to ataxic effects of S-ketamine developed. No persistent changes in working memory, anxiety, or behavioral despair were found. Results suggest depressed individuals may be more prone to negative side effects, but tolerance may develop with repeated treatment.