From synapse to strategy: a bibliometric map of ionotropic glutamate receptors in depression

Depression is a leading global health burden increasingly linked to dysregulation in glutamatergic signaling. Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), including NMDA, AMPA, and kainate subtypes, have emerged as pivotal therapeutic targets. However, the rapid expansion of literature has led to a fragmented research landscape, creating an urgent need for a structured overview. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the evolution, knowledge hubs, and emerging frontiers of iGluR research in depression.We retrieved 6,843 publications (1975-2025) from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, utilizing CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix for visualization and trend analysis. Analysis revealed a 7.31% annual growth rate, with the United States and China leading global productivity. Research has transitioned from basic synaptic transmission mechanisms to clinical innovations, with "NMDA receptor" and "treatment-resistant depression" identified as primary hotspots. These findings provide a quantitative framework that clarifies the shift from preclinical models to rapid-acting antidepressant discovery. Here we show that bibliometric mapping provides a coherent picture of how iGluRs research in depression has evolved. The prominence of ketamine therapy highlights a successful translational trajectory. By identifying key collaborative networks and knowledge gaps, this study provides a strategic roadmap to guide future mechanistic work and the development of next-generation rapidly acting antidepressants.