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Bernardus Saayman JL, Harvey BH, Wegener G, Brink CB. Sildenafil, alone and in combination with imipramine or escitalopram, display antidepressant-like effects in an adrenocorticotropic hormone-induced (ACTH) rodent model of treatment-resistant depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176434. [PMID: 38458412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) represents a challenge with high prevalence and limited effectiveness of existing treatments, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Innovative strategies and alternative drug targets are therefore necessary. Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is known to exert neuroplastic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is a promising antidepressant drug candidate. AIM To investigate whether sildenafil monotherapy or in combination with a known antidepressant, can elicit antidepressant-like effects in an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-induced rodent model of TRD. METHODS ACTH-naïve and ACTH-treated male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received various sub-acute drug treatments, followed by behavioural tests and biochemical analyses conversant with antidepressant actions. RESULTS Sub-chronic ACTH treatment induced significant depressive-like behaviour in rats, evidenced by increased immobility during the forced swim test (FST). Sub-acute sildenafil (10 mg/kg) (SIL-10) (but not SIL-3), and combinations of imipramine (15 mg/kg) (IMI-15) and sildenafil (3 mg/kg) (SIL-3) or escitalopram (15 mg/kg) (ESC-15) and SIL-3, exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects. ACTH treatment significantly elevated hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin, norepinephrine, kynurenic acid (KYNUA), quinolinic acid (QUINA), and glutathione. The various mono- and combined treatments significantly reversed some of these changes, whereas IMI-15 + SIL-10 significantly increased glutathione disulfide levels. ESC-15 + SIL-3 significantly reduced plasma corticosterone levels. CONCLUSION This study suggests that sildenafil shows promise as a treatment for TRD, either as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with a traditional antidepressant. The neurobiological mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like effects of the different sildenafil mono- and combination therapies reflects a multimodal action and cannot be explained in full by changes in the individually measured biomarker levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juandré Lambertus Bernardus Saayman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Brian Herbert Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience on Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa; The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christiaan Beyers Brink
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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Sadeghi MA, Nassireslami E, Yousefi Zoshk M, Hosseini Y, Abbasian K, Chamanara M. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors in psychiatric disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1201-1219. [PMID: 37060470 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06361-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Challenges in drug development for psychiatric disorders have left much room for the introduction of novel treatments with better therapeutic efficacies and indices. As a result, intense research has focused on identifying new targets for developing such pharmacotherapies. One of these targets may be the phosphodiesterase (PDE) class of enzymes, which play important roles in intracellular signaling. Due to their critical roles in cellular pathways, these enzymes affect diverse neurobiological functions from learning and memory formation to neuroinflammation. OBJECTIVES In this paper, we reviewed studies on the use of PDE inhibitors (PDEIs) in preclinical models and clinical trials of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder (BP), sexual dysfunction, and feeding disorders. RESULTS PDEIs are able to improve symptoms of psychiatric disorders in preclinical models through activating the cAMP-PKA-CREB and cGMP-PKG pathways, attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and stimulating neural plasticity. The most promising therapeutic candidates to emerge from these preclinical studies are PDE2 and PDE4 inhibitors for depression and anxiety and PDE1 and PDE10 inhibitors for schizophrenia. Furthermore, PDE3 and 4 inhibitors have shown promising results in clinical trials in patients with depression and schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Larger and better designed clinical studies of PDEIs in schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety are warranted to facilitate their translation into the clinic. Regarding the other conditions discussed in this review (most notably PTSD and BP), better characterization of the effects of PDEIs in preclinical models is required before clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Sadeghi
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nassireslami
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Yousefi Zoshk
- Trauma Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pediatrics, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Hosseini
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Abbasian
- Management and Health Economics Department, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Chamanara
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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The long-term bio-behavioural effects of juvenile sildenafil treatment in Sprague-Dawley versus flinders sensitive line rats. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2021; 33:200-205. [PMID: 33593460 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2021.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the long-term effects of juvenile sub-chronic sildenafil (SIL) treatment on the depressive-like behaviour and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels of adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) versus Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats. METHODS SD and FSL rats were divided into pre-pubertal and pubertal groups, whereafter 14-day saline or SIL treatment was initiated. Pre-pubertal and pubertal rats were treated from postnatal day 21 (PND21) and PND35, respectively. The open field and forced swim tests (FST) were performed on PND60, followed by hippocampal BDNF level analysis 1 day later. RESULTS FSL rats displayed greater immobility in the FST compared to SD rats (p < 0.0001), which was reduced by SIL (p < 0.0001), regardless of treatment period. Hippocampal BDNF levels were unaltered by SIL in all treatment groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Juvenile sub-chronic SIL treatment reduces the risk of depressive-like behaviour manifesting during young adulthood in genetically susceptible rats.
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Jansen van Vuren E, Steyn SF, Brink CB, Möller M, Viljoen FP, Harvey BH. The neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19: Interactions with psychiatric illness and pharmacological treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 135:111200. [PMID: 33421734 PMCID: PMC7834135 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) has had major global impact. The relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and psychiatric diseases is of great concern, with an evident link between corona virus infections and various central and peripheral nervous system manifestations. Unmitigated neuro-inflammation has been noted to underlie not only the severe respiratory complications of the disease but is also present in a range of neuro-psychiatric illnesses. Several neurological and psychiatric disorders are characterized by immune-inflammatory states, while treatments for these disorders have distinct anti-inflammatory properties and effects. With inflammation being a common contributing factor in SARS-CoV-2, as well as psychiatric disorders, treatment of either condition may affect disease progression of the other or alter response to pharmacological treatment. In this review, we elucidate how viral infections could affect pre-existing psychiatric conditions and how pharmacological treatments of these conditions may affect overall progress and outcome in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. We address whether any treatment-induced benefits and potential adverse effects may ultimately affect the overall treatment approach, considering the underlying dysregulated neuro-inflammatory processes and potential drug interactions. Finally, we suggest adjunctive treatment options for SARS-CoV-2-associated neuro-psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmé Jansen van Vuren
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Stephan F Steyn
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Christiaan B Brink
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marisa Möller
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Francois P Viljoen
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; South African MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Ribaudo G, Ongaro A, Zagotto G, Memo M, Gianoncelli A. Therapeutic Potential of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors against Neurodegeneration: The Perspective of the Medicinal Chemist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1726-1739. [PMID: 32401481 PMCID: PMC8007108 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Increasing human
life expectancy prompts the development of novel
remedies for cognitive decline: 44 million people worldwide are affected
by dementia, and this number is predicted to triple by 2050. Acetylcholinesterase
and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors represent
the targets of currently available drugs for Alzheimer’s disease,
which are characterized by limited efficacy. Thus, the search for
therapeutic agents with alternative or combined mechanisms of action
is wide open. Since variations in 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine
monophosphate, 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate,
and/or nitric oxide levels interfere with downstream pathways involved
in memory processes, evidence supporting the potential of phosphodiesterase
(PDE) inhibitors in contrasting neurodegeneration should be
critically considered. For the preparation of this Review, more than
140 scientific papers were retrieved by searching PubMed and Scopus
databases. A systematic approach was adopted when overviewing the
different PDE isoforms, taking into account details on brain localization,
downstream molecular mechanisms, and inhibitors currently under study,
according to available in vitro and in vivo data. In the context of drug repurposing, a section focusing on
PDE5 was introduced. Original computational studies were performed
to rationalize the emerging evidence that suggests the role of PDE5
inhibitors as multi-target agents against neurodegeneration.
Moreover, since such compounds must cross the blood–brain barrier
and reach inhibitory concentrations in the central nervous system
to exert their therapeutic activity, physicochemical parameters
were analyzed and discussed. Taken together, literature and computational
data suggest that some PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil, represent
promising candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ongaro
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zagotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Duarte-Silva E, Filho AJMC, Barichello T, Quevedo J, Macedo D, Peixoto C. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: Shedding new light on the darkness of depression? J Affect Disord 2020; 264:138-149. [PMID: 32056743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Recently, the antidepressant-like effect of PDE5Is was demonstrated in animal models of depression. In clinical settings, PDE5Is were studied only for ED associated depression. Hence, there are no studies evaluating the effects of PDE5Is for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) without ED. In this review article, we aimed to discuss the use of PDE5Is in the context of MDD, highlighting the roles of PDE genes in the development of MDD, the potential mechanisms by which PDE5Is can be beneficial for MDD and the potentials and limitations of PDE5Is repurposing to treat MDD. METHODS We used PubMed (MEDLINE) database to collect the studies cited in this review. Papers written in English language regardless the year of publication were selected. RESULTS A few preclinical studies support the antidepressant-like activity of PDE5Is. Clinical studies in men with ED and depression suggest that PDE5Is improve depressive symptoms. No clinical studies were conducted in subjects suffering from depression without ED. Antidepressant effect of PDE5Is may be explained by multiple mechanisms including inhibition of brain inflammation and modulation of neuroplasticity. LIMITATIONS The low number of preclinical and absence of clinical studies to support the antidepressant effect of PDE5Is. CONCLUSIONS No clinical trial was conducted to date evaluating PDE5Is in depressed patients without ED. PDE5Is' anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity mechanisms may justify the potential antidepressant effect of these drugs. Despite this, clinical trials evaluating their efficacy in depressed patients need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Duarte-Silva
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PE), Recife, PE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology for Health (PPGBBS), Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Adriano José Maia Chaves Filho
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Barichello
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX 77054, United States; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina-UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
| | - João Quevedo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX 77054, United States; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina-UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
| | - Danielle Macedo
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Christina Peixoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PE), Recife, PE, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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de Carvalho MAJ, Chaves-Filho A, de Souza AG, de Carvalho Lima CN, de Lima KA, Rios Vasconcelos ER, Feitosa ML, Souza Oliveira JV, de Souza DAA, Macedo DS, de Souza FCF, de França Fonteles MM. Proconvulsant effects of sildenafil citrate on pilocarpine-induced seizures: Involvement of cholinergic, nitrergic and pro-oxidant mechanisms. Brain Res Bull 2019; 149:60-74. [PMID: 31004733 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Proconvulsant effect is a serious adverse event associated with sildenafil use. Here, we investigated the possible proconvulsant effects of sildenafil in pilocarpine (PILO)-induced seizures model, which mimics some aspects of temporal lobe epilepsy. We also evaluated sildenafil's effects on hippocampal markers related to PILO-induced seizure, for instance, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) markers, namely nitrite, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS). The influences of muscarinic receptors blockade on sildenafil proconvulsant effects and brain nitrite levels were also evaluated. Male mice were submitted to single or repeated (7 days) sildenafil administration (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg). Thirty minutes later, PILO was injected and mice were further evaluated for 1 h for seizure activity. Sildenafil induced a dose- and time-progressive proconvulsant effect in PILO-induced seizures. Sildenafil also potentiated the inhibitory effect of PILO in AChE activity and induced a further increase in nitrite levels and pro-oxidative markers, mainly in the hippocampus. Repeated sildenafil treatment also increased the hippocampal expression of iNOS and nNOS isoforms, while the blockade of muscarinic receptors attenuated both sildenafil-induced proconvulsant effect and brain nitrite changes. Our data firstly demonstrated the proconvulsant effect of sildenafil in PILO-model of seizures. This effect seems to be related to an increased cholinergic-nitrergic tone and pro-oxidative brain changes. Also, our findings advert to caution in using sildenafil for patients suffering from neurological conditions that reduces seizure threshold, such as epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Albuquerque Jales de Carvalho
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Adriano Chaves-Filho
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Alana Gomes de Souza
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Camila Nayane de Carvalho Lima
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Klistenes Alves de Lima
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Ricardo Rios Vasconcelos
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lima Feitosa
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor Souza Oliveira
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Denia Alves Albuquerque de Souza
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danielle S Macedo
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Francisca Cléa Florenço de Souza
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Marta Maria de França Fonteles
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Wang C, Zhang J, Lu Y, Lin P, Pan T, Zhao X, Liu A, Wang Q, Zhou W, Zhang HT. Antidepressant-like effects of the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor etazolate and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil via cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP signaling in mice. Metab Brain Dis 2014; 29:673-82. [PMID: 24705918 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-014-9533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4 or 5 (PDE4 or PDE5) increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), respectively, which activates cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/neuropeptide VGF (non-acryonimic) signaling and produces antidepressant-like effects on behavior. However, causal links among these actions have not been established. In the present study, mice were evaluated for the effects of etazolate and sildenafil, the inhibitor of PDE4 or PDE5, respectively, on depressive-like behavior induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in the forced-swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), in the presence or absence of the inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA) or protein kinase G (PKG) via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions. The levels of cAMP, cGMP and expression of pCREB, CREB, BDNF and VGF in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were determined. The results showed that etazolate at 5.0 mg/kg or sildenafil at 30 mg/kg significantly reversed CUMS-induced depressive-like behavior; the effects were paralleled with the increased levels of cAMP/pCREB/BDNF/VGF or cGMP/pCREB/BDNF/VGF signaling, respectively. These effects were completely abolished following inhibition of PKA or PKG, respectively. The results suggest that inhibition of PDE4 by etazolate or PDE5 by sildenafil produced antidepressant-like effects in CUMS-treated animals via cAMP or cGMP signaling, which shares the common downstream signal pathway of CREB/BDNF/VGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China,
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Ishola IO, Chatterjee M, Tota S, Tadigopulla N, Adeyemi OO, Palit G, Shukla R. Antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of amentoflavone isolated from Cnestis ferruginea in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 103:322-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Socała K, Nieoczym D, Wyska E, Poleszak E, Wlaź P. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, enhances the activity of two atypical antidepressant drugs, mianserin and tianeptine, in the forced swim test in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 38:121-6. [PMID: 22406168 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, has recently been reported to abolish anti-immobility action of antidepressant drugs, i.e., bupropion, venlafaxine and S-citalopram, in the forced swim test in mice. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of sildenafil on the potential of two atypical antidepressants, namely mianserin and tianeptine. Swim sessions were conducted by placing mice in glass cylinders filled with water for 6 min and the duration of the behavioral immobility during the last 4 min of the test was evaluated. Locomotor activity was measured with photoresistor actimeters. To evaluate the potential pharmocokinetic interaction, total brain concentrations of the studied antidepressants were determined by HPLC method. Sildenafil at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg did not affect the activity of mianserin (20 mg/kg) in the forced swim test. Interestingly, at higher doses (5 and 10 mg/kg), sildenafil significantly enhanced the anti-immobility action of mianserin. Likewise, sildenafil (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) robustly augmented the antidepressant activity of tianeptine (30 mg/kg). Mianserin alone, as well as in a combination with sildenafil at the highest dose, caused a potent reduction in locomotor activity. However, the changes in motor activity did not interfere with the data obtained in the forced swim test. Sildenafil significantly increased the total brain tianeptine concentration. No alteration in mianserin level in the brain after sildenafil co-administration was observed. The present study suggests that sildenafil enhances the activity of mianserin and tianeptine in the forced swim test in mice. The changes in the antidepressant activity of mianserin evoked by sildenafil co-administration were related to pharmacodynamic interaction while the interaction between tianeptine and sildenafil was, at least in part, pharmacokinetic in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Brand L, van Zyl J, Minnaar EL, Viljoen F, du Preez JL, Wegener G, Harvey BH. Corticolimbic changes in acetylcholine and cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat: a genetic model of depression. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2012; 24:215-25. [PMID: 25286814 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5215.2011.00622.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Depression is suggested to involve disturbances in cholinergic as well as glutamatergic pathways, particularly the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-mediated release of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The aim of this study was to determine whether the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat, a genetic model of depression, presents with corticolimbic changes in basal acetylcholine (ACh) levels and NO/cGMP signalling.Methods: Basal levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and both basal and l-arginine-stimulated nitric oxide synthase (NOS) formation of l-citrulline were analysed in hippocampus and frontal cortex in FSL and control Flinders resistant line (FRL) rats by fluorometric and electrochemical high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. In addition, ACh and cGMP levels were analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and radioimmunoassay, respectively.Results: Significantly elevated frontal cortical but reduced hippocampal ACh levels were observed in FSL versus FRL rats. Basal cGMP levels were significantly reduced in the frontal cortex, but not hippocampus, of FSL rats without changes in NOx and l-citrulline, suggesting that the reduction of cGMP follows through an NOS-independent mechanism.Conclusions: These data confirm a bidirectional change in ACh in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the FSL rat, as well as provide evidence for a frontal cortical ACh-cGMP interaction in the depressive-like behaviour of the FSL rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Brand
- Division of Pharmacology, Unit for Drug Research and Development, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jurgens van Zyl
- Division of Pharmacology, Unit for Drug Research and Development, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Estella L Minnaar
- Division of Pharmacology, Unit for Drug Research and Development, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Francois Viljoen
- Division of Pharmacology, Unit for Drug Research and Development, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jan L du Preez
- Analytical Technology Laboratory, Unit for Drug Research and Development, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, University of Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Division of Pharmacology, Unit for Drug Research and Development, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Chokri A, El Abida K, Zegzouti YF, Ben Cheikh R. Endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation induced by Globularia alypum extract is mediated by EDHF in perfused rat mesenteric arterial bed. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2012; 90:607-16. [PMID: 22530963 DOI: 10.1139/y2012-035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The vasodilatory effect of Globularia alypum L. (GA) extract was evaluated in rat mesenteric arterial bed pre-contracted by continuous infusion of phenylephrine (2-4 ng/mL). Bolus injections of GA elicited dose-response vasodilation, which was abolished after endothelium removal. Addition of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100 µmol/L), alone or in the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 µmol/L), did not significantly affect the vasodilation of the mesenteric arterial bed in response to GA extract. These results suggest that GA-induced vasodilation is endothelium dependent but nitric oxide and prostacyclin independent. In the presence of high K(+) (60 mmol/L), the GA vasodilatory effect was completely abolished, suggesting that the vasodilation effect is mediated by hyperpolarization of the vascular cells. Also, pre-treatment with atropine (a muscarinic receptors antagonist) antagonized the GA-induced vasodilation, suggesting that the vasodilatory effect is mainly mediated by the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor through activation of endothelial muscarinic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Chokri
- Laboratoire des molécules bioactives, Faculté des sciences et techniques, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fès, Morocco
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14
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Wegener G, Finger BC, Elfving B, Keller K, Liebenberg N, Fischer CW, Singewald N, Slattery DA, Neumann ID, Mathé AA. Neuropeptide S alters anxiety, but not depression-like behaviour in Flinders Sensitive Line rats: a genetic animal model of depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 15:375-87. [PMID: 21708052 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) and its receptor (NPSR) have been implicated in the mediation of anxiolytic-like behaviour in rodents. However, little knowledge is available regarding the NPS system in depression-related behaviours, and whether NPS also exerts anxiolytic effects in an animal model of psychopathology. Therefore, the aim of this work was to characterize the effects of NPS on depression- and anxiety-related parameters, using male and female rats in a well-validated animal model of depression: the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), their controls, the Flinders Resistant Line (FRL), and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We found that FSL showed greater immobility in the forced swim test (FST) than FRL, confirming their phenotype. However, NPS did not affect depression-related behaviour in any rat line. No significant differences in baseline anxiety levels between the FSL and FRL strains were observed, but FSL and FRL rats displayed less anxiety-like behaviour compared to SD rats. NPS decreased anxiety-like behaviour on the elevated plus-maze in all strains. The expression of the NPSR in the amygdala, periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, and hippocampus was equal in all male strains, although a trend towards reduced expression within the amygdala was observed in FSL rats compared to SD rats. In conclusion, NPS had a marked anxiolytic effect in FSL, FRL and SD rats, but did not modify the depression-related behaviour in any strain, in spite of the significant differences in innate level between the strains. These findings suggest that NPS specifically modifies anxiety behaviour but cannot overcome/reverse a genetically mediated depression phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregers Wegener
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Beate C Finger
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Betina Elfving
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Keller
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nico Liebenberg
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology & Centre of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Aleksander A Mathé
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Socała K, Nieoczym D, Wyska E, Poleszak E, Wlaź P. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, enhances the antidepressant activity of amitriptyline but not desipramine, in the forced swim test in mice. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:645-52. [PMID: 22215207 PMCID: PMC3359440 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0756-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic theory of depression highlights the involvement of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the neurobiology of mood disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor which exhibits cholinomimetic properties, alone and in combination with scopolamine in the forced swim test in mice. Moreover, we assessed the ability of sildenafil to modify the antidepressant activity of two tricyclic antidepressants with distinct cholinolytic activity, amitriptyline and desipramine. Swim sessions were conducted by placing mice in glass cylinders filled with water for 6 min and the duration of behavioral immobility during the last 4 min of the test was evaluated. Locomotor activity was measured with photoresistor actimeters. To evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic interaction between amitriptyline and sildenafil, brain and serum concentrations of amitriptyline were determined by HPLC. Sildenafil (1.25-20 mg/kg) as well as scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg) and its combination with sildenafil (1.25 mg/kg) did not affect the total immobility time duration. However, joint administration of scopolamine with sildenafil at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time as compared to control group. Moreover, co-administration of scopolamine with sildenafil at the highest dose (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased immobility time as compared to scopolamine-treated group. Sildenafil (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the antidepressant activity of amitriptyline (5 mg/kg). No changes in anti-immobility action of desipramine (20 mg/kg) in combination with sildenafil (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) were observed. Sildenafil did not affect amitriptyline level in both brain and serum. In conclusion, the present study suggests that sildenafil may enhance the activity of antidepressant drugs which exhibit cholinolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Matsushita H, Matsuzaki M, Han XJ, Nishiki TI, Ohmori I, Michiue H, Matsui H, Tomizawa K. Antidepressant-like effect of sildenafil through oxytocin-dependent cyclic AMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation. Neuroscience 2011; 200:13-8. [PMID: 22088430 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) levels in plasma increase during sexual response and are significantly lower in patients with depression. A drug for the treatment of sexual dysfunction, sildenafil, enhances the electrically evoked release of OT from the posterior pituitary. In this study, we showed that sildenafil had an antidepressant-like effect through activation of an OT signaling pathway. Application of sildenafil reduced depression-related behavior in male mice. The antidepressant-like effect was blocked by an OT receptor (OTR) antagonist and was absent in OTR knockout (KO) mice. Sildenafil increased the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus. The OTR antagonist inhibited sildenafil-induced CREB phosphorylation and sildenafil had no effect on CREB phosphorylation in OTR KO mice. These results suggest sildenafil to have an antidepressant-like effect through the activation of OT signaling and to be a promising drug for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Matsushita
- Department of Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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An inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase induces behavioural and neurological antidepressant-like effects in rats. Neurosci Lett 2011; 498:158-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Antidepressant-like properties of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and cholinergic dependency in a genetic rat model of depression. Behav Pharmacol 2010; 21:540-7. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e32833befe5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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