Core Insights - Depression is a significant challenge in clinical psychiatry, as highlighted by the Beijing Brain Science and Brain-like Research Institute's recent findings [1] - The study published in Nature identifies adenosine signaling as a key pathway for the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) [1] - The research proposes an "intermittent hypoxia intervention" (aIH) to safely and controllably induce adenosine release in the brain, leading to significant antidepressant effects [1] Summary by Categories Research Findings - The study confirms that adenosine signaling is a common mechanism underlying the rapid antidepressant actions of both ketamine and ECT [1] - This discovery enhances the understanding of rapid antidepressant mechanisms and provides a solid theoretical basis for developing new generation antidepressant strategies with fewer side effects [1] Implications for Treatment - The findings suggest potential for developing small molecule drugs and non-drug interventions targeting adenosine signaling [1] - The research opens avenues for safer and more effective treatment options for depression, addressing a critical need in mental health care [1]

Core Viewpoint - The research published by the Beijing Brain Science and Brain-like Research Institute highlights the significant role of adenosine signaling in the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), proposing a new intermittent hypoxia intervention to safely induce adenosine release in the brain for effective depression treatment [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The study identifies adenosine as a key signaling molecule that mediates the rapid antidepressant actions of ketamine and ECT [1] - The research confirms that the adenosine signaling pathway is a common mechanism underlying the rapid antidepressant effects of both treatments [1] - The findings provide a solid theoretical basis and clear targets for developing new generation antidepressant strategies that are based on adenosine signaling modulation, potentially leading to smaller side effects [1] Group 2: Implications for Treatment - The proposed intermittent hypoxia intervention (aIH) aims to safely and controllably induce adenosine release in the brain, achieving significant antidepressant effects [1] - This research deepens the understanding of the mechanisms behind rapid antidepressant effects, which could lead to innovative treatment options [1] - The study opens avenues for the development of small molecule drugs and non-drug interventions targeting adenosine signaling for depression treatment [1]