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Rafi H, Rafiq H, Farhan M. Pharmacological profile of agmatine: An in-depth overview. Neuropeptides 2024; 105:102429. [PMID: 38608401 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Agmatine, a naturally occurring polyamine derived from arginine via arginine decarboxylase, has been shown to play multifaceted roles in the mammalian body, impacting a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. This comprehensive review delineates the significant insights into agmatine's pharmacological profile, emphasizing its structure and metabolism, neurotransmission and regulation, and pharmacokinetics and function. Agmatine's biosynthesis is highly conserved across species, highlighting its fundamental role in cellular functions. In the brain, comparable to established neurotransmitters, agmatine acts as a neuromodulator, influencing the regulation, metabolism, and reabsorption of neurotransmitters that are key to mood disorders, learning, cognition, and the management of anxiety and depression. Beyond its neuromodulatory functions, agmatine exhibits protective effects across various cellular and systemic contexts, including neuroprotection, nephroprotection, cardioprotection, and cytoprotection, suggesting a broad therapeutic potential. The review explores agmatine's interaction with multiple receptor systems, including NMDA, α2-adrenoceptors, and imidazoline receptors, elucidating its role in enhancing cell viability, neuronal protection, and synaptic plasticity. Such interactions underpin agmatine's potential in treating neurological diseases and mood disorders, among other conditions. Furthermore, agmatine's pharmacokinetics, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, are discussed, underlining the complexity of its action and the potential for therapeutic application. The safety and efficacy of agmatine supplementation, demonstrated through various animal and human studies, affirm its potential as a beneficial therapeutic agent. Conclusively, the diverse physiological and therapeutic effects of agmatine, spanning neurotransmission, protection against cellular damage, and modulation of various receptor pathways, position it as a promising candidate for further research and clinical application. This review underscores the imperative for continued exploration into agmatine's mechanisms of action and its potential in pharmacology and medicine, promising advances in the treatment of numerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira Rafi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Hamna Rafiq
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan
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Saha P, Panda S, Holkar A, Vashishth R, Rana SS, Arumugam M, Ashraf GM, Haque S, Ahmad F. Neuroprotection by agmatine: Possible involvement of the gut microbiome? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102056. [PMID: 37673131 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102056] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine derived from L-arginine, elicits tremendous multimodal neuromodulant properties. Alterations in agmatinergic signalling are closely linked to the pathogeneses of several brain disorders. Importantly, exogenous agmatine has been shown to act as a potent neuroprotectant in varied pathologies, including brain ageing and associated comorbidities. The antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing activities of agmatine may derive from its ability to regulate several cellular pathways; including cell metabolism, survival and differentiation, nitric oxide signalling, protein translation, oxidative homeostasis and neurotransmitter signalling. This review briefly discusses mammalian metabolism of agmatine and then proceeds to summarize our current understanding of neuromodulation and neuroprotection mediated by agmatine. Further, the emerging exciting bidirectional links between agmatine and the resident gut microbiome and their implications for brain pathophysiology and ageing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Subhrajita Panda
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Aayusha Holkar
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Rahul Vashishth
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Rana
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Mohanapriya Arumugam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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Paliwal NP, Taksande BG, Jain SP, Borikar SP. Possible involvement of GABAergic system on central amygdala Mediated anxiolytic effect of agmatine in rats. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37801395 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2268262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the pharmacological interactions between agmatine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) modulatory agents in the regulation of anxiety-like behavior in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated drugs per se or in combination and 15 min after last injection were subjected to elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by measuring behavioral conventional readout, open arm activity (duration and/or entries) for 5-minute duration. RESULTS Acute intra-central amygdala (CeA) injection of agmatine (0.1-0.6 μmol/site/rat), muscimol (0.25-1 nmol/site/rat), diazepam (5-20 μg/site/rat) and allopregnanolone (2-8 μg/site/rat) increased open arm entries of the rats in EPM suggesting anxiolytic effect in dose dependent manner. Moreover, the anxiolytic effect at subeffective dose of agmatine (0.1 μmol/site/rat) was potentiated by subeffective dose of muscimol (0.25 nmol/site/rat), diazepam (5 μg/site/rat) and allopregnanolone (4 μg/site/rat). Whereas, pretreatment with GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline (10 ng/site/rat) blocked the anxiolytic effect of agmatine and its synergistic effect of agmatine plus muscimol. Similarly, benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor antagonist, flumazenil (15 μg/site/rat) and GABA allosteric modulator antagonist, RO 15-45 13 (10 μg/site/rat) reduced the anxiolytic effect of agmatine, given alone and with diazepam and allopregnanolone, respectively. CONCLUSION These results indicated that anxiolytic effect of agmatine is medicated via GABAergic mechanisms, probably conciliated by the GABAA receptor subtypes. Modulation of interplay between agmatine and GABAA receptor activity might be a pertinent solution for the regulation of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhilesh P Paliwal
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Shrimati Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, India
| | - Brijesh G Taksande
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Shrimati Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, India
| | - Shirish P Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy, Buldana, India
| | - Sachin P Borikar
- Department of Pharmacology, Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy, Buldana, India
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Arias HR, De Deurwaerdère P, El-Kasaby A, Di Giovanni G, Eom S, Lee JH, Freissmuth M, Chagraoui A. (+)-Catharanthine and (-)-18-methoxycoronaridine induce antidepressant-like activity in mice by differently recruiting serotonergic and norepinephrinergic neurotransmission. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175454. [PMID: 36549498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The antidepressant-like activity of (+)-catharanthine and (-)-18-methoxycoronaridine [(-)-18-MC] was studied in male and female mice using forced swim (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). The underlying molecular mechanism was assessed by electrophysiological, radioligand, and functional experiments. The FST results showed that acute administration (40 mg/kg) of (+)-catharanthine or (-)-18-MC induces similar antidepressant-like activity in male and female mice at 1 h and 24 h, whereas the TST results showed a lower effect for (-)-18-MC at 24 h. Repeated treatment at lower dose (20 mg/kg) augmented the efficacy of both congeners. The FST results showed that (-)-18-MC reduces immobility and increases swimming times without changing climbing behavior, whereas (+)-catharanthine reduces immobility time, increases swimming times more markedly, and increases climbing behavior. To investigate the contribution of the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in the antidepressant effects of (+)-catharanthine and (-)-18-MC, we conducted in vitro radioligand and functional studies. Results obtained demonstrated that (+)-catharanthine inhibits norepinephrine transporter with higher potency/affinity than that for (-)-18-MC, whereas both congeners inhibit serotonin transporter with similar potency/affinity. Moreover, whereas no congener activated/inhibited/potentiated the function of serotonin receptor 3A or serotonin receptor 3AB, both increased serotonin receptor 3A receptor desensitization. Depletion of serotonin decreased the antidepressant-like activity of both congeners, whereas norepinephrine depletion only decreased (+)-catharanthine's activity. Our study shows that coronaridine congeners induce antidepressant-like activity in a dose- and time-dependent, and sex-independent, manner. The antidepressant-like property of both compounds involves serotonin transporter inhibition, without directly activating/inhibiting serotonin receptors 3, while (+)-catharanthine also mobilizes norepinephrinergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, OK, USA
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, UMR, 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ali El-Kasaby
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta, Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sanung Eom
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Junho H Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology and the Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Abdeslam Chagraoui
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, CHU de Rouen, France; Différenciation et Communication Neuroendocrine, Endocrine et Germinale Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine of Normandy (IRIB), University of Rouen, INSERM 1239, 76000, Rouen, France.
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Jeon SJ, Kwon H, Bae HJ, Gonzales EL, Kim J, Chung HJ, Kim DH, Ryu JH, Shin CY. Agmatine relieves behavioral impairments in Fragile X mice model. Neuropharmacology 2022; 219:109234. [PMID: 36057317 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109234] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of neurodevelopmental disorder, which is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Despite the unceasing efforts to develop therapeutic agents against FXS based on the pathophysiological changes observed in animal models of FXS and human patients, therapeutic candidates including mGluR signaling modulators have failed to provide sufficient effects. Based on the recent successful demonstration of an endogenous polyamine, agmatine, to improve the autism-like symptoms in the valproic acid animal model of autism, we investigated the effects of agmatine against FXS symptoms using Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. METHODS We used male Fmr1 KO mice for behavioral tests such as marble burying, open-field test, memory tasks, social interaction tests and startle response to confirm the symptoms of FXS. We also checked the electrophysiological profile of neural activity in agmatine-treated Fmr1 KO mice. RESULTS Agmatine reversed the compulsion, learning and memory deficits, hyperactivity, aberrant social interaction, and communication deficit in Fmr1 KO mice while it normalized the aberrant LTP and LTD in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the potential of agmatine's novel disease-ameliorating effects in FXS, which warrants further studies to ascertain whether these findings translate into clinical effects in FXS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Sahmyook University, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiyoung Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jung Bae
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Chung
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Valverde AP, Camargo A, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine as a novel candidate for rapid-onset antidepressant response. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:981-996. [PMID: 34888168 PMCID: PMC8613765 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i11.981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disabling and highly prevalent mood disorder as well as a common cause of suicide. Chronic stress, inflammation, and intestinal dysbiosis have all been shown to play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of MDD. Although conventional antidepressants are widely used in the clinic, they can take weeks to months to produce therapeutic effects. The discovery that ketamine promotes fast and sustaining antidepressant responses is one of the most important breakthroughs in the pharmacotherapy of MDD. However, the adverse psychomimetic/dissociative and neurotoxic effects of ketamine discourage its chronic use. Therefore, agmatine, an endogenous glutamatergic modulator, has been postulated to elicit fast behavioral and synaptogenic effects by stimulating the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling pathway, similar to ketamine. However, recent evidence has demonstrated that the modulation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome and gut microbiota, which have been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of MDD, may also participate in the antidepressant-like effects of both ketamine and agmatine. This review seeks to provide evidence about the mechanisms that may underlie the fast antidepressant-like responses of agmatine in preclinical studies. Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of agmatine, it may also be further investigated as a useful compound for the management of MDD associated with a pro-inflammatory state. Moreover, the fast antidepressant-like response of agmatine noted in animal models should be investigated in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Valverde
- Department of Biochemistry, Campus Universitário, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040900, Brazil
| | - Anderson Camargo
- Department of Biochemistry, Campus Universitário, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040900, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Campus Universitário, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040900, Brazil
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Botanas CJ, Perez Custodio RJ, Kim HJ, de la Pena JB, Sayson LV, Ortiz DM, Kim M, Lee HJ, Acharya S, Kim KM, Lee CJ, Ryu JH, Lee YS, Cheong JH. R (-)-methoxetamine exerts rapid and sustained antidepressant effects and fewer behavioral side effects relative to S (+)-methoxetamine. Neuropharmacology 2021; 193:108619. [PMID: 34023336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The newfound antidepressant efficacy of ketamine has provided opportunities for the development of new-generation, rapid-acting, glutamate-based antidepressants. We previously identified that methoxetamine (MXE), a ketamine analog, and an N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, produced rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in mice. MXE (R, S (±)-MXE) is a racemic mixture containing equal parts of S (+)-MXE and R (-)-MXE. However, studies have yet to investigate the antidepressant effects of its enantiomers. Here, we examined the potential antidepressant properties and behavioral side effects of S- and R-MXE in mice. Both S- and R-MXE showed significant NMDA receptor affinity and appreciable inhibitory activity on serotonin transporter. Also, S- and R-MXE (10 mg kg-1) exerted antidepressant effects and increased gamma waves (electroencephalography) but were inhibited by NBQX (an AMPA receptor antagonist). Subsequently, they increased mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation and AMPA receptor subunits GluA1 and GluA2 protein levels in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, they increased 5HT2a and 5HT2c receptor mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex, with their antidepressant effects inhibited by ketanserin (a 5HT2a/c receptor antagonist). Taken together, S-MXE and R-MXE elicit antidepressant effects that are probably mediated via glutamatergic and serotonergic mechanisms. Unlike S-MXE, R-MXE did not induce prepulse inhibition deficits, hyperlocomotion, conditioned place preference, and locomotor sensitization, although it acutely altered motor coordination. This suggests that R-MXE induces fewer behavioral side effects and is a safer antidepressant than S-MXE. Overall, this study provides significant implications for future research on the next generation of rapid-acting, glutamate-based antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Perez Custodio
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - June Bryan de la Pena
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, United States
| | - Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Darlene Mae Ortiz
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Srijan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Man Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Jung Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896 Republic of Korea.
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The involvement of GABAergic system in the antidepressant-like effect of agmatine. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:1931-1939. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Sial OK, Parise EM, Parise LF, Gnecco T, Bolaños-Guzmán CA. Ketamine: The final frontier or another depressing end? Behav Brain Res 2020; 383:112508. [PMID: 32017978 PMCID: PMC7127859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Two decades ago, the observation of a rapid and sustained antidepressant response after ketamine administration provided an exciting new avenue in the search for more effective therapeutics for the treatment of clinical depression. Research elucidating the mechanism(s) underlying ketamine's antidepressant properties has led to the development of several hypotheses, including that of disinhibition of excitatory glutamate neurons via blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Although the prominent understanding has been that ketamine's mode of action is mediated solely via the NMDA receptor, this view has been challenged by reports implicating other glutamate receptors such as AMPA, and other neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin and opioids in the antidepressant response. The recent approval of esketamine (Spravato™) for the treatment of depression has sparked a resurgence of interest for a deeper understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying ketamine's actions and safe therapeutic use. This review aims to present our current knowledge on both NMDA and non-NMDA mechanisms implicated in ketamine's response, and addresses the controversy surrounding the antidepressant role and potency of its stereoisomers and metabolites. There is much that remains to be known about our understanding of ketamine's antidepressant properties; and although the arrival of esketamine has been received with great enthusiasm, it is now more important than ever that its mechanisms of action be fully delineated, and both the short- and long-term neurobiological/functional consequences of its treatment be thoroughly characterized.
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MESH Headings
- Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology
- Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy
- Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant/drug therapy
- Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/drug effects
- Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/pharmacology
- Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Ketamine/pharmacology
- Ketamine/therapeutic use
- Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/drug effects
- Receptor, Muscarinic M1/drug effects
- Receptors, AMPA/drug effects
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/drug effects
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/drug effects
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/drug effects
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3/drug effects
- Receptors, sigma/drug effects
- Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar K Sial
- Texas A&M University: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 4325 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Eric M Parise
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Lyonna F Parise
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Tamara Gnecco
- Texas A&M University: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 4325 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Carlos A Bolaños-Guzmán
- Texas A&M University: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 4325 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Sahin Ozkartal C, Tuzun E, Kucukali CI, Ulusoy C, Giris M, Aricioglu F. Antidepressant-like effects of agmatine and NOS inhibitors in chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in rats: The involvement of NLRP inflammasomes. Brain Res 2019; 1725:146438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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de Oliveira RL, Voss GT, Paltian JJ, Pinz MP, Torres MLCP, Moreira MP, Dilelio MC, Silveira CC, Wilhelm EA, Luchese C. Contribution of serotonergic and nitrergic pathways, as well as monoamine oxidase-a and Na +, K +-ATPase enzymes in antidepressant-like action of ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene) methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide (BMMS). Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:1313-1324. [PMID: 31177357 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated a possible antidepressant-like effect of ((4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene)methyl) (4-methoxystyryl) sulfide (BMMS) by using the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST) in Swiss mice. The contribution of serotoninergic, glutamatergic and nitrergic systems in the antidepressant-like activity of BMMS was evaluated. We also examined the involvement of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A, MAO-B and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in prefrontal cortex of mice. BMMS, (0.1-10 mg/kg, intragastrically (i.g.)) and fluoxetine (32 mg/kg, i.g.) decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST. The anti-immobility effect of BMMS (10 mg/kg, i.g.) in the TST was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.), a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist), ketanserin (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.), a 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist), and partially blocked by ondansetron (1 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist). The anti-immobility effect of BMMS (10 mg / kg, i.g.) was not avoided by pretreatment with MK-801 (0.01 mg/kg, s.c. a non-competitive N-methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor) in the TST. Pretreatment with L-arginine (500 mg/kg, i.p., a nitric oxide precursor) reversed partially the reduction in the immobility time elicited by BMMS (10 mg/kg, i.g.) in TST. BMMS altered Na+,K+-ATPase and MAO-A activities in prefrontal cortex of mice, but was not able to change the MAO-B activity. In conclusion, BMMS exerted an antidepressant-like effect in mice and serotonergic and nitrergic systems are involved in the antidepressant-like action of compound. BMMS modulated MAO-A and Na+, K+- ATPase activities in prefrontal cortex of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata L de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme T Voss
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Jaini J Paltian
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Mikaela P Pinz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Marina Laura C P Torres
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Michele P Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanociências, Centro de Ciências Tecnológicas, Universidade Franciscana, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97010-032, Brazil
| | - Marina C Dilelio
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Claudio C Silveira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Ethel A Wilhelm
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Farmacologia Bioquímica (LaFarBio), Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia (GPN), Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, Pelotas, RS, CEP 96010-900, Brazil.
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Sayson LV, Botanas CJ, Custodio RJP, Abiero A, Kim M, Lee HJ, Kim HJ, Yoo SY, Lee KW, Ryu HW, Acharya S, Kim KM, Lee YS, Cheong JH. The novel methoxetamine analogs N-ethylnorketamine hydrochloride (NENK), 2-MeO-N-ethylketamine hydrochloride (2-MeO-NEK), and 4-MeO-N-ethylketamine hydrochloride (4-MeO-NEK) elicit rapid antidepressant effects via activation of AMPA and 5-HT 2 receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2201-2210. [PMID: 30891619 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Depressive syndrome or depression is a debilitating brain disorder affecting numerous people worldwide. Although readily available, current antidepressants have low remission rates and late onset times. Recently, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, like ketamine and methoxetamine (MXE), were found to elicit rapid antidepressant effects. As the search for glutamatergic-based antidepressants is increasing, we synthesized three novel MXE analogs, N-ethylnorketamine hydrochloride (NENK), 2-MeO-N-ethylketamine hydrochloride (2-MeO-NEK), and 4-MeO-N-ethylketamine hydrochloride (4-MeO-NEK). OBJECTIVES To determine whether the three novel MXE analogs induce antidepressant effects and explore their mechanistic correlation. METHODS We examined their affinity for NMDA receptors through a radioligand binding assay. Mice were treated with each drug (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg), and their behavior was assessed 30 min later in the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, and open-field test (OFT). Another group of mice were pretreated with 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX), an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, or ketanserin (KS), a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, during the FST. We also measured mRNA levels of the AMPA receptor subunits GluA1 and GluA2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. RESULTS The MXE analogs showed affinity to NMDA receptors and decreased immobility time during the FST and TST. NBQX and KS blocked their effects in the FST. The compounds did not induce behavioral alteration during the EPM and OFT. The compounds altered GluA1, GluA2, and BDNF mRNA levels. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the novel MXE analogs induce antidepressant effects, which is likely via AMPA and 5-HT2 receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Perez Custodio
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Arvie Abiero
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeun Yoo
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Won Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Ryu
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Srijan Acharya
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Man Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea.
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The therapeutic and nutraceutical potential of agmatine, and its enhanced production using Aspergillus oryzae. Amino Acids 2019; 52:181-197. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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14
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Kędzierska E, Fiorino F, Magli E, Poleszak E, Wlaź P, Orzelska-Górka J, Knap B, Kotlińska JH. New arylpiperazine derivatives with antidepressant-like activity containing isonicotinic and picolinic nuclei: evidence for serotonergic system involvement. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:743-754. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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15
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Therapeutic Effect of Agmatine on Neurological Disease: Focus on Ion Channels and Receptors. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:735-750. [PMID: 30610652 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-02712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is the most injury-prone part of the mammalian body. Any acute or chronic, central or peripheral neurological disorder is related to abnormal biochemical and electrical signals in the brain cells. As a result, ion channels and receptors that are abundant in the nervous system and control the electrical and biochemical environment of the CNS play a vital role in neurological disease. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid receptor, kainate receptor, acetylcholine receptor, serotonin receptor, α2-adrenoreceptor, and acid-sensing ion channels are among the major channels and receptors known to be key components of pathophysiological events in the CNS. The primary amine agmatine, a neuromodulator synthesized in the brain by decarboxylation of L-arginine, can regulate ion channel cascades and receptors that are related to the major CNS disorders. In our previous studies, we established that agmatine was related to the regulation of cell differentiation, nitric oxide synthesis, and murine brain endothelial cell migration, relief of chronic pain, cerebral edema, and apoptotic cell death in experimental CNS disorders. In this review, we will focus on the pathophysiological aspects of the neurological disorders regulated by these ion channels and receptors, and their interaction with agmatine in CNS injury.
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Barua S, Kim JY, Lee JE. Role of Agmatine on Neuroglia in Central Nervous System Injury. BRAIN & NEUROREHABILITATION 2019. [DOI: 10.12786/bn.2019.12.e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Barua
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Youl Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Sedative and hypnotic effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. through the regulation of serotonegic and GABAA-ergic systems: Involvement of 5-HT1A receptor agonistic activity. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 109:2218-2227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Camargo A, Rodrigues ALS. Novel Targets for Fast Antidepressant Responses: Possible Role of Endogenous Neuromodulators. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2019; 3:2470547019858083. [PMID: 32440595 PMCID: PMC7219953 DOI: 10.1177/2470547019858083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The available medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder have limitations, particularly their limited efficacy, delayed therapeutic effects, and the side effects associated with treatment. These issues highlight the need for better therapeutic agents that provide more efficacious and faster effects for the management of this disorder. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is the prototype for novel glutamate-based antidepressants that has been shown to cause a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect even in severe refractory depressive patients. Considering the importance of these findings, several studies have been conducted to elucidate the molecular targets for ketamine's effect. In addition, efforts are under way to characterize ketamine-like drugs. This review focuses particularly on evidence that endogenous glutamatergic neuromodulators may be able to modulate mood and to elicit fast antidepressant responses. Among these molecules, agmatine and creatine stand out as those with more published evidence of similarities with ketamine, but guanosine and ascorbic acid have also provided promising results. The possibility that these neuromodulators and ketamine have common neurobiological mechanisms, mainly the ability to activate mechanistic target of rapamycin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling, and synthesis of synaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex and/or hippocampus is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Camargo
- Neuroscience Postgraduate Program,
Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina,
Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S. Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of
Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis,
Brazil
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Bagdas D, AlSharari S, Roni MA, Campbell VC, Muldoon PP, Carroll FI, Damaj MI. Blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor enhances the responsiveness to bupropion in the mouse forced swim test. Behav Brain Res 2018; 360:262-269. [PMID: 30552947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to investigate the role of α4, α5, α6 or β2 nAChR subunits in the antidepressant-like effect of bupropion. Adult male mice were treated with subcutaneous acute doses of bupropion (3 and 10 mg/kg) 30 min before the forced swim test (FST) in α4, α5, α6, or β2 nAChR subunit knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, the effects of β2* antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE, 3 mg/kg) on antidepressant-like effects of bupropion in C57BL/6 J mice were assessed. Our results showed that baseline immobility and climbing time did not differ between KO and corresponding WT mice except for β2 KO. Bupropion significantly decreased immobility time and increased climbing time in the α4, α6 and β2 nAChR KO mice in comparison to WT littermates, indicating that lack of these nAChR subunits enhanced antidepressant effects of bupropion. On the contrary, the α5 nAChR subunit deletion did not alter the FST behavior in the bupropion-treated mice. Not only in the transgenic mice, bupropion also showed antidepressant-like effects in the WT mice. In addition, DHβE pretreatment before bupropion administration resulted in decreased immobility time and increased climbing time. Taken together, the present study provides evidence on the involvement of α4*, α6*, and β2* (* indicates possible presence of other subunits) nAChRs in the antidepressant-like effects of bupropion in the FST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Bagdas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Shakir AlSharari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monzurul A Roni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University School of Pharmacy, Hampton, VA, 23668, USA
| | - Vera C Campbell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University School of Pharmacy, Hampton, VA, 23668, USA
| | - Pretal P Muldoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Center for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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Xu W, Gao L, Li T, Shao A, Zhang J. Neuroprotective Role of Agmatine in Neurological Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1296-1305. [PMID: 28786346 PMCID: PMC6251039 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170808120633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurological diseases have always been one of the leading cause of mobility and mortality world-widely. However, it is still lacking efficient agents. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine, exerts its diverse biological characteristics and therapeutic potential in varied aspects. Methods: This review would focus on the neuroprotective actions of agmatine and its potential mechanisms in the setting of neurological diseases. Results: Numerous studies had demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of agmatine in varied types of neurological diseases, including acute attack (stroke and trauma brain injury) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alz-heimer’s disease). The potential mechanism of agmatine induced neuroprotection includes anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, brain blood barrier (BBB) protection and brain edema prevention. Conclusions: The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases. However, most of the available studies relate to the agmatine are conducted in experi-mental models, more clinical trials are needed before the agmatine could be extensively clinically used
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liansheng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Neis VB, Bettio LB, Moretti M, Rosa PB, Olescowicz G, Fraga DB, Gonçalves FM, Freitas AE, Heinrich IA, Lopes MW, Leal RB, Rodrigues ALS. Single administration of agmatine reverses the depressive-like behavior induced by corticosterone in mice: Comparison with ketamine and fluoxetine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 173:44-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Chen ZD, Chen WQ, Wang ZY, Cao DN, Wu N, Li J. Antidepressant-like action of agmatine in the acute and sub-acute mouse models of depression: a receptor mechanism study. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1721-1731. [PMID: 30019267 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that agmatine, a potential neuromodulator or co-transmitter, exhibited antidepressant-like action in animal models, yet its mechanism, especially the receptor mechanism, remains unclear. In the present study, using efaroxan, a preferential antagonist of I1 imidazoline receptor (I1R) and yohimbine, an antagonist of α2 adrenergic receptor (α2AR), we investigated the roles of I1R and α2AR in agmatine's antidepressant-like effect in acute and sub-acute depression models in mice. We found that in the tail-suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST), acute administration of agmatine (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly shortened the immobility time. Concurrent administration of efaroxan (1 mg/kg, i.p.) completely abolished the antidepressant-like effects of agmatine (40 mg/kg, p.o.) whereas yohimbine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to exert similar effects, suggesting that the acute antidepressant-like effects of agmatine was mainly mediated by I1R but not α2AR. Additionally, in the learned helplessness (LH) test, repeated administration of agmatine (20 mg/kg, p.o., q.d.) for 5 days significantly decreased the escape latency and the number of escape failure, and these effects were respectively abolished by concurrent administration of efaroxan (0.5 mg/kg,i.p., q.d.) and yohimbine (3 mg/kg, i.p., q.d.) for 5 days, suggesting that the antidepressant-like action of agmatine in the LH test was achieved via the activation of both I1R and α2AR. In summary, we found that the antidepressant-like effects of agmatine in the TST and the FST were mediated by activating I1R and in the sub-acute LH test were mediated by activating both I1R and α2AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Di Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Dan-Ni Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Weiss T, Bernard R, Bernstein HG, Veh RW, Laube G. Agmatine modulates spontaneous activity in neurons of the rat medial habenular complex-a relevant mechanism in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression? Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:201. [PMID: 30250120 PMCID: PMC6155246 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The dorsal diencephalic conduction system connects limbic forebrain structures to monaminergic mesencephalic nuclei via a distinct relay station, the habenular complexes. Both habenular nuclei, the lateral as well as the medial nucleus, are considered to play a prominent role in mental disorders like major depression. Herein, we investigate the effect of the polyamine agmatine on the electrical activity of neurons within the medial habenula in rat. We present evidence that agmatine strongly decreases spontaneous action potential firing of medial habenular neurons by activating I1-type imidazoline receptors. Additionally, we compare the expression patterns of agmatinase, an enzyme capable of inactivating agmatine, in rat and human habenula. In the medial habenula of both species, agmatinase is similarly distributed and observed in neurons and, in particular, in distinct neuropil areas. The putative relevance of these findings in the context of depression is discussed. It is concluded that increased activity of the agmatinergic system in the medial habenula may strengthen midbrain dopaminergic activity. Consequently, the habenular-interpeduncular axis may be dysregulated in patients with major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Weiss
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Anatomy, Berlin, Germany.
| | - René Bernard
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Neurologie, Department of Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Gert Bernstein
- 0000 0001 1018 4307grid.5807.aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger W. Veh
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Anatomy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Laube
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Anatomy, Berlin, Germany
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Ostadhadi S, Norouzi-Javidan A, Nikoui V, Zolfaghari S, Moradi A, Dehpour AR. Nitric oxide involvement in additive antidepressant-like effect of agmatine and lithium in mice forced swim test. Psychiatry Res 2018; 266:262-268. [PMID: 29573854 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lithium is still the main agent in the management of mood disorders such as depression. Likewise, agmatine protects the central nervous system (CNS) against depression. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible additive antidepressant-like effect of agmatine and lithium in mice forced swim test (FST) as well as exploration of the probable involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathway in this response. Results showed that pretreatment with a subeffective dose of agmatine (0.01 mg/kg) augmented the antidepressant-like effect of lithium subeffective dose (3 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nonspecific nitric oxide synthase [NOS] inhibitor) at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, neuronal NOS inhibitor) at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg potentiated the antidepressant-like effect of the subeffective combination of lithium (3 mg/kg) and agmatine (0.001 mg/kg) (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively). However, various doses of aminoguanidine (25 and 50 mg/kg, inducible NOS inhibitor) failed to alter the immobility time of the same combination (P > 0.05). Moreover, pretreatment with subeffective doses of L-arginine (substrate for NOS, 300 and 750 mg/kg) reversed the augmenting antidepressant-like effect of agmatine (0.01 mg/kg) on lithium (3 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). Our results revealed that agmatine enhances the antidepressant-like effects of lithium and the NO pathway might mediate this phenomenon. In addition, constitutive NOS plays a dramatic role in this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Ostadhadi
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Norouzi-Javidan
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Nikoui
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Zolfaghari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abouzar Moradi
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Chen GG, Almeida D, Fiori L, Turecki G. Evidence of Reduced Agmatine Concentrations in the Cerebral Cortex of Suicides. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:895-900. [PMID: 29986038 PMCID: PMC6165952 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The polyamines are a group of ubiquitous low-molecular-weight aliphatic molecules that play an essential role in various physiological functions of the mammalian CNS. Previous literature has indicated alterations in the expression of polyamine-related genes in the brains of individuals who died by suicide, including downregulation of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase, a key enzyme involved in polyamine catabolism. One such polyamine, agmatine, has been shown to act as an antidepressant in animal models of depressive-like behavior. However, agmatine concentrations have not been explored in postmortem human brain of individuals who died by suicide. METHODS To measure agmatine in postmortem human brain tissue, we employed our previously published high-resolution capillary gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry method. Using this method, we analyzed agmatine levels in a total of 120 tissue samples from Brodmann areas 4, 11, and 44 of 40 male subjects comprising controls (n=13), individuals who died by suicide and met criteria for major depressive disorder (n=14), and subjects who died by suicide and did not meet criteria for major depressive disorder (n=13). RESULTS Agmatine fell within the expected nanomolar range and was significantly reduced in the cortex of suicides, irrespective of meeting criteria for major depressive disorder compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS This is the first gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study to analyze agmatine concentrations in human postmortem brain of individuals who died by suicide. These results add to our mechanistic understanding of the role that the polyamine stress response pathway may play in the neurobiology of major depression and/or suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary G Chen
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Fiori
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Correspondence: Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Frank B Common Pavilion, Room F-3125, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3 ()
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Tert-butyl 4-((1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methyl) piperazine-1-carboxylate (LQFM104)– New piperazine derivative with antianxiety and antidepressant-like effects: Putative role of serotonergic system. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:546-552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Umukoro S, Adebesin A, Agu G, Omorogbe O, Asehinde SB. Antidepressant-like activity of methyl jasmonate involves modulation of monoaminergic pathways in mice. Adv Med Sci 2018; 63:36-42. [PMID: 28818747 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The efficacy of current antidepressant drugs has been compromised by adverse effects, low remission and delay onset of action necessitating the search for alternative agents. Methyl jasmonate (MJ), a bioactive compound isolated from Jasminum grandiflorum has been shown to demonstrate antidepressant activity but its mechanism of action remains unknown. Thus, the role of monoaminergic systems in the antidepression-like activity of MJ was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were given i.p. injection of MJ (5, 10 and 20mg/kg), imipramine (10mg/kg) and vehicle (10mL/kg) 30min before the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were carried out. The involvement of monoaminergic systems in the anti-depressant-like effect of MJ (20mg/kg) was evaluated using p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), metergoline, yohimbine, prazosin, sulpiride and haloperidol in the TST. RESULTS MJ significantly decrease the duration of immobility in the FST and TST relative to control suggesting antidepressant-like property. However, pretreatment with yohimbine (1mg/kg, i.p., an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) or prazosin (62.5μg/kg, i.p., an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist) attenuated the antidepressant-like activity of MJ. Also, pCPA; an inhibitor of serotonin biosynthesis (100mg/kg, i.p) or metergoline (4mg/kg, i.p., 5-HT2 receptor antagonist) reversed the anti-immobility effect of MJ. Sulpiride (50mg/kg, i.p., a D2 receptor antagonist) or haloperidol (0.2mg/kg, i.p., a dopamine receptor antagonist) reversed the anti-immobility effect of MJ. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems may play a role in the antidepressant-like activity of MJ.
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Olescowicz G, Neis VB, Fraga DB, Rosa PB, Azevedo DP, Melleu FF, Brocardo PS, Gil-Mohapel J, Rodrigues ALS. Antidepressant and pro-neurogenic effects of agmatine in a mouse model of stress induced by chronic exposure to corticosterone. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:395-407. [PMID: 28842257 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that has been shown to have beneficial effects in the central nervous system, including antidepressant-like effects in animals. In this study, we investigated the ability of agmatine (0.1mg/kg, p.o.) and the conventional antidepressant fluoxetine (10mg/kg, p.o.) to reverse the behavioral effects and morphological alterations in the hippocampus of mice exposed to chronic corticosterone (20mg/kg, p.o.) treatment for a period of 21days as a model of stress and depressive-like behaviors. Chronic corticosterone treatment increased the immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST), but did not cause anhedonic-like and anxiety-related behaviors, as assessed with the splash test and the open field test (OFT), respectively. Of note, the depressive-like behaviors induced by corticosterone were accompanied by a decrease in hippocampal cell proliferation, although no changes in hippocampal neuronal differentiation were observed. Our findings provide evidence that, similarly to fluoxetine, agmatine was able to reverse the corticosterone-induced depressive-like behaviors in the TST as well as the deficits in hippocampal cell proliferation. Additionally, fluoxetine but not agmatine, increased hippocampal differentiation. Agmatine, similar to fluoxetine, was capable of increasing both dendritic arborization and length in the entire dentate hippocampus, an effect more evident in the ventral portion of the hippocampus, as assessed with the modified Sholl analysis. Altogether, our results suggest that the increase in hippocampal proliferation induced by agmatine may contribute, at least in part, to the antidepressant-like response of this compound in this mouse model of stress induced by chronic exposure to corticosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gislaine Olescowicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Vivian B Neis
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Daiane B Fraga
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Priscila B Rosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Dayane P Azevedo
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Fernando Falkenburger Melleu
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Patricia S Brocardo
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Division of Medical Sciences, UBC Island Medical Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Neis VB, Rosa PB, Olescowicz G, Rodrigues ALS. Therapeutic potential of agmatine for CNS disorders. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:318-331. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience? Biochem J 2017; 474:2619-2640. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, the decarboxylation product of arginine, was largely neglected as an important player in mammalian metabolism until the mid-1990s, when it was re-discovered as an endogenous ligand of imidazoline and α2-adrenergic receptors. Since then, a wide variety of agmatine-mediated effects have been observed, and consequently agmatine has moved from a wallflower existence into the limelight of clinical neuroscience research. Despite this quantum jump in scientific interest, the understanding of the anabolism and catabolism of this amine is still vague. The purification and biochemical characterization of natural mammalian arginine decarboxylase and agmatinase still are open issues. Nevertheless, the agmatinergic system is currently one of the most promising candidates in order to pharmacologically interfere with some major diseases of the central nervous system, which are summarized in the present review. Particularly with respect to major depression, agmatine, its derivatives, and metabolizing enzymes show great promise for the development of an improved treatment of this common disease.
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Agmatine enhances the antidepressant-like effect of lithium in mouse forced swimming test through NMDA pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:931-938. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Ethanol induced antidepressant-like effect in the mouse forced swimming test: modulation by serotonergic system. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:447-459. [PMID: 27838747 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4478-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM The present investigation explored the modulatory role of serotonergic transmission in the acute ethanol-induced effects on immobility time in the mouse forced swim test (FST). METHODS AND RESULTS Acute i.p. administration of ethanol (20% w/v, 2 or 2.5 g/kg, i.p.) decreased the immobility time in FST of mice, indicating its antidepressant-like effect while lower doses of ethanol (1, 1.5 g/kg, i.p.) were devoid of any effect in the FST. The mice pre-treated with a sub-effective dose of 5-HT2A agonist, DOI (10 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY 100635 (0.1 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) but not with the 5-HT2A/2C antagonist, ketanserin (1.5 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) exhibited a synergistic reduction in the immobility time induced by sub-effective dose of ethanol (1.5 g/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, ethanol (2.5 g/kg, i.p.) failed to decrease the immobility time in mice, pre-treated with 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or ketanserin (1.5 μg/mouse, i.c.v.). In addition, pre-treatment with a 5-HT neuronal synthesis inhibitor, p-CPA (300 mg/kg, i.p. × 3 days) attenuated the anti-immobility effect ethanol (2.5 g/kg, i.p.) in mouse FST. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the results of the present study points towards the essentiality of the central 5-HT transmission at the synapse for the ethanol-induced antidepressant-like effect in the FST wherein the regulatory role of the 5-HT1A receptor or contributory role of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor-mediated mechanism is proposed in the anti-immobility effect of acute ethanol in mouse FST.
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Freitas AE, Neis VB, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine, a potential novel therapeutic strategy for depression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1885-1899. [PMID: 27836390 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is the most common psychiatric disorder with lifetime prevalence of up to 20% worldwide. It is responsible for more years lost to disability than any other disorder. Despite the fact that current available antidepressant drugs are safe and effective, they are far from ideal. In addition to the need to administer the drugs for weeks or months to obtain clinical benefit, side effects are still a serious problem. Agmatine is an endogenous polyamine synthesized by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase. It modulates several receptors and is considered as a neuromodulator in the brain. In this review, studies demonstrating the antidepressant effects of agmatine are presented and discussed, as well as, the mechanisms of action related to these effects. Also, the potential beneficial effects of agmatine for the treatment of other neurological disorders are presented. In particular, we provide evidence to encourage future clinical studies investigating agmatine as a novel antidepressant drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andiara E Freitas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Vivian B Neis
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Agmatine ameliorates lipopolysaccharide induced depressive-like behaviour in mice by targeting the underlying inflammatory and oxido-nitrosative mediators. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 149:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Chia JSM, Omar Farouk AA, Mohamad AS, Sulaiman MR, Perimal EK. Zerumbone alleviates chronic constriction injury-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia through serotonin 5-HT receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:1303-1310. [PMID: 27570173 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zerumbone, a bioactive sesquiterpene isolated from Zingiber zerumbet (Smith), has shown to exert antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in neuropathic pain mice model in our recent study. The mechanism through which zerumbone alleviates neuropathic pain has yet to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether the serotonergic system, part of the descending pain modulation pathway, contributes to the antineuropathic effect of zerumbone. Participation of the serotonergic system in zerumbone-induced antiallodynia and antihyperalgesia was assessed using Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer von Frey test and Hargreaves plantar test respectively in chronic-constriction injury mice model. Administration of ρ-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100mg/kg, i.p.) for four consecutive days to deplete serotonin (5-HT) prior to zerumbone administration blocked the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of zerumbone. Further investigation with 5-HT receptor antagonists methiothepin (5-HT1/6/7 receptor antagonist, 0.1mg/kg), WAY-100635 (5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 1mg/kg), isamoltane (5-HT1B receptor antagonist, 2.5mg/kg), ketanserin (5-HT2A receptor antagonist, 0.3mg/kg) and ondansetron (5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 0.5mg/kg) managed to significantly attenuate antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of zerumbone (10mg/kg). These findings demonstrate that zerumbone alleviates mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia through the descending serotonergic system via 5-HT receptors 1A, 1B, 2A, 3, 6 and 7 in chronic constriction injury neuropathic pain mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Siew Min Chia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Akira Omar Farouk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azam Shah Mohamad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Roslan Sulaiman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Enoch Kumar Perimal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Del Bello F, Cilia A, Carrieri A, Fasano DC, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Micheli L, Santini C, Diamanti E, Giannella M, Giorgioni G, Mammoli V, Paoletti CD, Petrelli R, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Pigini M. The Versatile 2-Substituted Imidazoline Nucleus as a Structural Motif of Ligands Directed to the Serotonin 5-HT1A
Receptor. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:2287-2298. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Antonio Cilia
- Recordati S.p.A.; Drug Discovery; via Civitali 1 20148 Milano (Italy)
| | - Antonio Carrieri
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science; University of Bari “Aldo Moro”; Via E. Orabona 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Domenico Claudio Fasano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science; University of Bari “Aldo Moro”; Via E. Orabona 4 70125 Bari Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and; Child Health - Neurofarba - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section; University of Florence; Viale Pieraccini 6 50039 Firenze Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and; Child Health - Neurofarba - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section; University of Florence; Viale Pieraccini 6 50039 Firenze Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and; Child Health - Neurofarba - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section; University of Florence; Viale Pieraccini 6 50039 Firenze Italy
| | - Carlo Santini
- School of Science and Technology; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Eleonora Diamanti
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Mario Giannella
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Valerio Mammoli
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Corinne Dalila Paoletti
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Riccardo Petrelli
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
| | - Maria Pigini
- School of Pharmacy; Medicinal Chemistry Unit; University of Camerino; Via S. Agostino 1 62032 Camerino Italy
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Involvement of the agmatinergic system in the depressive-like phenotype of the Crtc1 knockout mouse model of depression. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e852. [PMID: 27404284 PMCID: PMC5545706 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies implicate the arginine-decarboxylation product agmatine in mood regulation. Agmatine has antidepressant properties in rodent models of depression, and agmatinase (Agmat), the agmatine-degrading enzyme, is upregulated in the brains of mood disorder patients. We have previously shown that mice lacking CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) associate behavioral and molecular depressive-like endophenotypes, as well as blunted responses to classical antidepressants. Here, the molecular basis of the behavioral phenotype of Crtc1(-/-) mice was further examined using microarray gene expression profiling that revealed an upregulation of Agmat in the cortex of Crtc1(-/-) mice. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses confirmed Agmat upregulation in the Crtc1(-/-) prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, which were further demonstrated by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy to comprise an increased number of Agmat-expressing cells, notably parvalbumin- and somatostatin-positive interneurons. Acute agmatine and ketamine treatments comparably improved the depressive-like behavior of male and female Crtc1(-/-) mice in the forced swim test, suggesting that exogenous agmatine has a rapid antidepressant effect through the compensation of agmatine deficit because of upregulated Agmat. Agmatine rapidly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels only in the PFC of wild-type (WT) females, and decreased eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation in the PFC of male and female WT mice, indicating that agmatine might be a fast-acting antidepressant with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist properties. Collectively, these findings implicate Agmat in the depressive-like phenotype of Crtc1(-/-) mice, refine current understanding of the agmatinergic system in the brain and highlight its putative role in major depression.
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Neis VB, Moretti M, Bettio LEB, Ribeiro CM, Rosa PB, Gonçalves FM, Lopes MW, Leal RB, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine produces antidepressant-like effects by activating AMPA receptors and mTOR signaling. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:959-71. [PMID: 27061850 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The activation of AMPA receptors and mTOR signaling has been reported as mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of fast-acting agents, specially the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine. In the present study, oral administration of agmatine (0.1mg/kg), a neuromodulator that has been reported to modulate NMDA receptors, caused a significant reduction in the immobility time of mice submitted to the tail suspension test (TST), an effect prevented by the administration of DNQX (AMPA receptor antagonist, 2.5μg/site, i.c.v.), BDNF antibody (1μg/site, i.c.v.), K-252a (TrkB receptor antagonist, 1μg/site, i.c.v.), LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor, 10nmol/site, i.c.v.) or rapamycin (selective mTOR inhibitor, 0.2nmol/site, i.c.v.). Moreover, the administration of lithium chloride (non-selective GSK-3β inhibitor, 10mg/kg, p.o.) or AR-A014418 (selective GSK-3β inhibitor, 0.01μg/site, i.c.v.) in combination with a sub-effective dose of agmatine (0.0001mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the immobility time in the TST when compared with either drug alone. Furthermore, increased immunocontents of BDNF, PSD-95 and GluA1 were found in the prefrontal cortex of mice just 1h after agmatine administration. These results indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of agmatine in the TST may be dependent on the activation of AMPA and TrkB receptors, PI3K and mTOR signaling as well as inhibition of GSK-3β, and increase in synaptic proteins. The results contribute to elucidate the complex signaling pathways involved in the antidepressant effect of agmatine and reinforce the pivotal role of these molecular targets for antidepressant responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Binder Neis
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Morgana Moretti
- Post-Graduate Nutrition Program, Center of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo B Bettio
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Camille M Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Priscila Batista Rosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Filipe Marques Gonçalves
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mark William Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bainy Leal
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Kawaura K, Ogata Y, Honda S, Soeda F, Shirasaki T, Takahama K. Tipepidine, a non-narcotic antitussive, exerts an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test in adrenocorticotropic hormone-treated rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 302:269-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Moretti M, Neis VB, Matheus FC, Cunha MP, Rosa PB, Ribeiro CM, Rodrigues ALS, Prediger RD. Effects of Agmatine on Depressive-Like Behavior Induced by Intracerebroventricular Administration of 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)). Neurotox Res 2015; 28:222-31. [PMID: 26156429 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9540-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Considering that depression is a common non-motor comorbidity of Parkinson's disease and that agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that emerges as a potential agent to manage diverse central nervous system disorders, this study investigated the antidepressant-like effect of agmatine in mice intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) injected with the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)). Male C57BL6 mice were treated with agmatine (0.0001, 0.1 or 1 mg/kg) and 60 min later the animals received an i.c.v. injection of MPP(+) (1.8 µg/site). Twenty-four hours after MPP(+) administration, immobility time, anhedonic behavior, and locomotor activity were evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST), splash test, and open field test, respectively. Using Western blot analysis, we investigated the putative modulation of MPP(+) and agmatine on striatal and frontal cortex levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). MPP(+) increased the immobility time of mice in the TST, as well as induced an anhedonic-like behavior in the splash test, effects which were prevented by pre-treatment with agmatine at the three tested doses. Neither drug, alone or in combination, altered the locomotor activity of mice. I.c.v. administration of MPP(+) increased the striatal immunocontent of TH, an effect prevented by the three tested doses of agmatine. MPP(+) and agmatine did not alter the immunocontent of BDNF in striatum and frontal cortex. These results demonstrate for the first time the antidepressant-like effects of agmatine in an animal model of depressive-like behavior induced by the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP(+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Moretti
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88049-900, Brazil,
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Bonilla-Jaime H, Guadarrama-Cruz G, Alarcon-Aguilar FJ, Limón-Morales O, Vazquez-Palacios G. Antidepressant-like activity of Tagetes lucida Cav. is mediated by 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. J Nat Med 2015; 69:463-70. [PMID: 26062718 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-015-0909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Tagetes lucida Cav. shows an antidepressant-like effect on the forced swimming test (FST) in rats. The aim of this study was to analyze the participation of the serotoninergic system in the antidepressant-like effect of the aqueous extract of T. lucida. Different doses of the extract of T. lucida were administered at 72, 48, 24, 18 and 1 h before FST. The animals were pretreated with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (WAY-100635, 0.5 mg/kg), a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist (ketanserin, 5 mg/kg), a β-noradrenergic receptor antagonist (propranolol, 200 mg/kg), and with a α2-noradrenergic receptor antagonist (yohimbine, 1 mg/kg) alone or combined with the extract and pretreated with a serotonin synthesis inhibitor (PCPA) before treatment with 8-OH-DPAT + the extract of T. lucida. In addition, suboptimal doses of the 5-HT1A agonist (8-OH-DPAT) + non-effective dose of extract was analyzed in the FST. To determine the presence of flavonoids, the aqueous extract of T. lucida (20 µl, 4 mg/ml) was injected in HPLC; however, a quercetin concentration of 7.72 mg/g of extract weight was detected. A suboptimal dose of 8-OH-DPAT + extract of T. lucida decreased immobility and increased swimming and climbing. An antidepressant-like effect with the aqueous extract of T. lucida at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg was observed on the FST with decreased immobility behavior and increased swimming; however, this effect was blocked by WAY-100635, ketanserin and PCPA but not by yohimbine and propranolol, suggesting that the extract of T. lucida could be modulating the release/reuptake of serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bonilla-Jaime
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dpto. Biologia de la Reproducción, D.C.B.S., Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, 09340, México, D.F., México,
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Agmatine, by Improving Neuroplasticity Markers and Inducing Nrf2, Prevents Corticosterone-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:3030-3045. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Neis VB, Moretti M, Manosso LM, Lopes MW, Leal RB, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine enhances antidepressant potency of MK-801 and conventional antidepressants in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 130:9-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Cassani J, Dorantes-Barrón AM, Novales LM, Real GA, Estrada-Reyes R. Anti-depressant-like effect of kaempferitrin isolated from Justicia spicigera Schltdl (Acanthaceae) in two behavior models in mice: evidence for the involvement of the serotonergic system. Molecules 2014; 19:21442-61. [PMID: 25532842 PMCID: PMC6271707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191221442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the antidepressant-like effect of kaempferitrin (Km) isolated from the plant Justicia spicigera (Asteraceae), which is used in traditional medicine for relieving emotional disorders, such as "la tristeza" (sadness or dysthymia) and "el humor" (mood changes). The actions of Km were evaluated in a forced swimming test (FST) and a suspension tail test (TST) in mice. We explored the involvement of the serotonergic system and the hypothalamic-hypophysis-adrenal axis (HPA) in the antidepressant-like effect of Km. To evaluate nonspecific effects of Km on general activity, the open field test (OFT) was performed. Km at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg induced an antidepressant-like effect. Sub-effective dose of Km (1 mg/kg) produced a synergistic effect with imipramine (6.25 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) but not with desipramine (3.12 mg/kg). Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA), a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, N-{2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl}-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexecarboxamide (WAY-100635), a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, and 8OH-DPAT, a selective 5-HT1A agonist, but not pindolol (10 mg/kg) blocked the anti- immobility effect induced by Km. Taken together, these results indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of Km is related to the serotonergic system, principally 5-HT1A. This effect was not related to changes in locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Cassani
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico D.F. 04960, Mexico.
| | - Ana María Dorantes-Barrón
- Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico D.F 14370, Mexico.
| | - Lilian Mayagoitia Novales
- Departamento de Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico D.F, 14370, Mexico.
| | - Guadalupe Alva Real
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas del Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, Mexico D.F 14370, Mexico.
| | - Rosa Estrada-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico D.F 14370, Mexico.
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Freitas AE, Bettio LEB, Neis VB, Moretti M, Ribeiro CM, Lopes MW, Leal RB, Rodrigues ALS. Sub-chronic agmatine treatment modulates hippocampal neuroplasticity and cell survival signaling pathways in mice. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 58:137-46. [PMID: 25161097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator which, based on animal and human studies, is a putative novel antidepressant drug. In this study, we investigated the ability of sub-chronic (21 days) p.o. agmatine administration to produce an antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test and examined the hippocampal cell signaling pathways implicated in such an effect. Agmatine at doses of 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg (p.o.) produced a significant antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test and no effect in the open-field test. Additionally, agmatine (0.001-0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates (237-258% of control), protein kinase B/Akt (Ser(473)) (116-127% of control), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (Ser(9)) (110-113% of control), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (119-137% and 121-138% of control, respectively) and cAMP response elements (Ser(133)) (127-152% of control), and brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (137-175% of control) immunocontent in a dose-dependent manner in the hippocampus. Agmatine (0.001-0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) also reduced the c-jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 phosphorylation (77-71% and 65-51% of control, respectively). Neither protein kinase C nor p38(MAPK) phosphorylation was altered under any experimental conditions. Taken together, the present study extends the available data on the mechanisms that underlie the antidepressant action of agmatine by showing an antidepressant-like effect following sub-chronic administration. In addition, our results are the first to demonstrate the ability of agmatine to elicit the activation of cellular signaling pathways associated with neuroplasticity/cell survival and the inhibition of signaling pathways associated with cell death in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andiara E Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luis E B Bettio
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Vivian B Neis
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Morgana Moretti
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Camille M Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mark W Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo B Leal
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Freitas AE, Egea J, Buendía I, Navarro E, Rada P, Cuadrado A, Rodrigues ALS, López MG. Agmatine induces Nrf2 and protects against corticosterone effects in hippocampal neuronal cell line. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:1504-19. [PMID: 25084759 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a common finding in major depression; this may lead to increased levels of cortisol, which are known to cause oxidative stress imbalance and apoptotic neuronal cell death, particularly in the hippocampus, a key region implicated in mood regulation. Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of L-arginine, has been proposed for the treatment of major depression. Corticosterone induced apoptotic cell death and increased ROS production in cultured hippocampal neuronal cells, effects that were abolished in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by agmatine. Interestingly, the combination of sub-effective concentrations of agmatine with fluoxetine or imipramine afforded synergic protection. The neuroprotective effect of agmatine was abolished by yohimbine (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), ketanserin (5-HT2A receptor antagonist), LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor), PD98059 (MEK1/2 inhibitor), SnPP (HO-1 inhibitor), and cycloheximide (protein synthesis inhibitor). Agmatine increased Akt and ERK phosphorylation and induced the transcription factor Nrf2 and the proteins HO-1 and GCLc; induction of these proteins was prevented by yohimbine, ketanserin, LY294002, and PD98059. In conclusion, agmatine affords neuroprotection against corticosterone effects by a mechanism that implicates Nrf2 induction via α2-adrenergic and 5-HT2A receptors, Akt and ERK pathways, and HO-1 and GCLc expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andiara E Freitas
- Instituto Teofilo Hernando, Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 4-28029, Madrid, Spain,
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Taksande BG, Kotagale NR, Gawande DY, Bharne AP, Chopde CT, Kokare DM. Neuropeptide Y in the central nucleus of amygdala regulates the anxiolytic effect of agmatine in rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:955-63. [PMID: 24461723 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, modulation of anxiolytic action of agmatine by neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) is evaluated employing Vogel's conflict test (VCT) in rats. The intra-CeA administration of agmatine (0.6 and 1.2µmol/rat), NPY (10 and 20pmol/rat) or NPY Y1/Y5 receptors agonist [Leu(31), Pro(34)]-NPY (30 and 60pmol/rat) significantly increased the number of punished drinking licks following 15min of treatment. Combination treatment of subeffective dose of NPY (5pmol/rat) or [Leu(31), Pro(34)]-NPY (15pmol/rat) and agmatine (0.3µmol/rat) produced synergistic anxiolytic-like effect. However, intra-CeA administration of selective NPY Y1 receptor antagonist, BIBP3226 (0.25 and 0.5mmol/rat) produced anxiogenic effect. In separate set of experiment, pretreatment with BIBP3226 (0.12mmol/rat) reversed the anxiolytic effect of agmatine (0.6µmol/rat). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal injection of agmatine (40mg/kg) on NPY-immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh), lateral part of bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTl) and CeA. While agmatine treatment significantly decreased the fibers density in BNSTl, increase was noticed in AcbSh. In addition, agmatine reduced NPY-immunoreactive cells in the AcbSh and CeA. Immunohistochemical data suggest the enhanced transmission of NPY from the AcbSh and CeA. Taken together, this study suggests that agmatine produced anxiolytic effect which might be regulated via modulation of NPYergic system particularly in the CeA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh G Taksande
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Shrimati Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur (M.S.) 441002, India
| | - Nandkishor R Kotagale
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Shrimati Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur (M.S.) 441002, India
| | - Dinesh Y Gawande
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Shrimati Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur (M.S.) 441002, India
| | - Ashish P Bharne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India
| | - Chandrabhan T Chopde
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Shrimati Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur (M.S.) 441002, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440033, India.
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Rane RA, Napahde S, Bangalore PK, Sahu NU, Shah N, Kulkarni YA, Barve K, Lokare L, Karpoormath R. Synthesis and evaluation of novel marine bromopyrrole alkaloid-based derivatives as potential antidepressant agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 84:593-602. [PMID: 24797717 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report synthesis and screening of a series of twenty derivatives of bromopyrrole alkaloids with aroyl hydrazone feature for antidepressant activity by forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and actophotometer method. The molecules were further evaluated for in vitro human MAO's inhibitory activities. The tested compounds exhibited moderate to good antidepressant activity compared with standard fluoxetine. Among these, most promising antidepressant derivatives 5b (%DID = 60.48), 5e (%DID = 59), and 5j (%DID = 74.86) reduced immobility duration of 50-70% at 30 mg/kg dose levels in FST. Further, derivative 5b, 5e, and 5j displayed good antidepressant activity with %DID value of 47.50, 46.62, and 52.49, respectively, in TST compared with standard fluoxetine (66.56% DID). Compound 5b showed high in vitro MAO-A potency and selectivity (Ki MAO-A (μM) = 2.4 ± 0.99, SI = 0.06) with promising pharmacological activity recognizing its potential as antidepressant lead candidate for further drug development. Study revealed that the presence of halogen atoms such as chlorine and fluorine at ortho- and/or para-position of phenyl ring and N-alkylation of pyrrole core is favored features for antidepressant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh A Rane
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
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Agmatine abolishes restraint stress-induced depressive-like behavior and hippocampal antioxidant imbalance in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:143-50. [PMID: 24370459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine has been recently emerged as a novel candidate to assist the conventional pharmacotherapy of depression. The acute restraint stress (ARS) is an unavoidable stress situation that may cause depressive-like behavior in rodents. In this study, we investigated the potential antidepressant-like effect of agmatine (10mg/kg, administered acutely by oral route) in the forced swimming test (FST) in non-stressed mice, as well as its ability to abolish the depressive-like behavior and hippocampal antioxidant imbalance induced by ARS. Agmatine reduced the immobility time in the mouse FST (1-100mg/kg) in non-stressed mice. ARS caused an increase in the immobility time in the FST, indicative of a depressive-like behavior, as well as hippocampal lipid peroxidation, and an increase in the activity of hippocampal superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, reduced catalase (CAT) activity and increased SOD/CAT ratio, an index of pro-oxidative conditions. Agmatine was effective to abolish the depressive-like behavior induced by ARS and to prevent the ARS-induced lipid peroxidation and changes in SOD, GR and CAT activities and in SOD/CAT activity ratio. Hippocampal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were not altered by any experimental condition. In conclusion, the present study shows that agmatine was able to abrogate the ARS-induced depressive-like behavior and the associated redox hippocampal imbalance observed in stressed restraint mice, suggesting that its antidepressant-like effect may be dependent on its ability to maintain the pro-/anti-oxidative homeostasis in the hippocampus.
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Neis VB, Manosso LM, Moretti M, Freitas AE, Daufenbach J, Rodrigues ALS. Depressive-like behavior induced by tumor necrosis factor-α is abolished by agmatine administration. Behav Brain Res 2014; 261:336-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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