Ketamine's effects on the body's natural opioid system
Enhancement of the endogenous opioid system by ketamine
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11323513
This project looks at how a single dose of ketamine changes the brain's natural opioid system in people with depression, chronic pain, or opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323513 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how ketamine interacts with the body's own opioid peptides and receptors to produce both rapid (minutes to hours) and longer-lasting (days to weeks) effects. The work combines laboratory experiments on opioid receptor function with measurements taken after ketamine exposure to track molecular and functional changes. Findings will link short-term actions to sustained changes that could explain ketamine's benefits for mood and pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, chronic pain, or opioid use disorder who might be considered for ketamine-related therapies.
Not a fit: People without these conditions or those who cannot receive ketamine due to medical contraindications are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to safer, more targeted treatments for depression, chronic pain, and opioid use disorder by harnessing the body's own opioid system.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical research has shown ketamine can rapidly relieve depression and some pain, but using the opioid system to explain or improve those effects is a newer and still-developing area.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEVI, LAKSHMI A — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: DEVI, LAKSHMI A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.