(R)-(-)-Ketamine hydrochloride

Biological Activity

(R)-(-)-Ketamine hydrochloride is a NMDA antagonist (K_i = 1.4 μM); exhibits more potent and longer lasting antidepressant effects compared to its enantiomer (S)-ketamine in vivo. Also may not display the psychotomimetic or addictive side effects associated with (S)-ketamine. (R)-(-)-Ketamine hydrochloride upregulates KCNQ2 channels in mouse ventral hippocampal glutamatergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. It exerts its sustained antidepressant effetcs via KCNQ2 cell type specific regulation.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Background References

1. R-(-)-ketamine shows greater potency and longer lasting antidepressant effects than S-(+)-ketamine.
   Zhang et al.
   Pharmacol.Biochem.Behav., 2014;116:137
2. Comparison of rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of negative modulators of α5-containing GABA_A receptors and (R)-ketamine in a chronic social defeat stress model.
   Xiong et al.
   Pharmacol.Biochem.Behav., 2018;175:139
3. NMDAR inhibition-independent antidepressant actions of ketamine metabolites.
   Zanos et al.
   Nature, 2016;533:481
4. Norketamine, the main metabolite of ketamine, is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist in the rat cortex and spinal cord.
   Ebert et al.
   Eur.J.Pharmacol., 1997;333:99

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