The Neurostimulation Podcast #36: How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies – Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Psychiatry

Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Passmore explores groundbreaking research revealing how adenosine—a natural brain chemical—may be the key link between two of the fastest-acting antidepressant treatments: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The discussion covers:

• The science behind adenosine’s role in mood regulation and how both ketamine and ECT trigger rapid antidepressant effects via adenosine pathways.
• Key findings from a recent Nature study using mouse models, including the necessity and sufficiency of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors for treatment response.
• The implications for clinical practice, including the potential impact of caffeine (which blocks adenosine) on treatment outcomes.
• Why standardizing caffeine intake may be important for patients undergoing ketamine or ECT therapy.
• The importance of translating preclinical findings into human studies and the need for further research.

• Adenosine may act as a “common language” for rapid antidepressant effects in both ketamine and ECT.
• Caffeine could potentially interfere with these treatments by blocking adenosine receptors—patients and clinicians should be aware of this variable.
• The research is preclinical (in mice), but it lays the groundwork for future human studies and smarter, more targeted therapies.

• Extended data, figures, and the full research paper are linked in the show notes.
• For more information, check the episode’s resource section.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

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