Study on the antidepressant activity of (2R,6R; 2S,6S)-Hydroxynorketamine (HNK) and its derivatives

Abstract

Objective: This study mainly explores (2R,6R; 2S,6S)-HNK and its compounds whether there are antidepressant effects.

Methods: Four HNK compounds were obtained from 2-(Chlorophenyl) Cyclopentylmethanone. Forced swimming test, locomotor sensitization test, and conditioned location preference test were used to screen the antidepressant activity of the synthesized target compounds.

Results: In the case of 10 mg HNK treatment, compared with saline, the immobile time of mice in the HNK group, I5 group and I6 group at 1 h and 7 days had statistical significance. In the case of 10 mg HNK treatment, compared with saline, the immobile time of compound C and D groups in the glass cylinder area was significantly different. In the locomotor sensitization test, the movement distance of compound C and D groups on day 15 and day 7 mice increased significantly compared with the first day. In the conditioned place preference experiment, compound C and compound D induced conditioned place preference in mice compared with the Veh group.

Conclusion: The results of the forced swimming test, locomotor sensitization test, and conditioned location preference test showed that compounds C and D may have certain anti-depressant activity. However, HNK exerts a rapid and significant antidepressant effect within 1 week, but the duration is short.

Keywords: Antidepressant; Behavioral Sensitization Test; Conditioned Place Preference Test; Forced Swimming Test; Hydroxynorketamine and its Derivatives.