Dehydronorketamine

Dehydronorketamine (DHNK) is a metabolite of the dissociative anesthetic drug ketamine. It is formed in the body after administration of ketamine, primarily through the action of the enzyme cytochrome P450.

Pharmacology

Dehydronorketamine is thought to contribute to the effects of ketamine in the body. It has been found to have antidepressant effects in animal studies, which may be related to its ability to modulate the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor that is involved in learning and memory.

Chemistry

Dehydronorketamine is a cyclohexanone derivative, like ketamine. It differs from ketamine in that it has a double bond between the two carbon atoms adjacent to the nitrogen atom, hence the "dehydro" in its name.

Clinical significance

The potential clinical significance of dehydronorketamine is currently under investigation. Some research suggests that it may play a role in the antidepressant effects of ketamine, which has been used off-label for the treatment of major depressive disorder and is the subject of ongoing research.

See also

• Ketamine
• Norketamine
• Hydroxynorketamine

References

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