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Lei L, Wang YF, Chen CY, Wang YT, Zhang Y. Novel insight into astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission modulates the synaptic plasticity in major depressive disorder. Life Sci 2024; 355:122988. [PMID: 39153595 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122988] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a form of glial cell-based synaptic dysfunction disease in which glial cells interact closely with neuronal synapses and perform synaptic information processing. Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are active components of the brain and are responsible for synaptic activity through the release gliotransmitters. A reduced density of astrocytes and astrocyte dysfunction have both been identified the brains of patients with MDD. Furthermore, gliotransmission, i.e., active information transfer mediated by gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons, is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MDD. However, the mechanism by which astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission contributes to depression remains unknown. This review therefore summarizes the alterations in astrocytes in MDD, including astrocyte marker, connexin 43 (Cx43) expression, Cx43 gap junctions, and Cx43 hemichannels, and describes the regulatory mechanisms of astrocytes involved in synaptic plasticity. Additionally, we investigate the mechanisms acting of the glutamatergic, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic, and purinergic systems that modulate synaptic function and the antidepressant mechanisms of the related receptor antagonists. Further, we summarize the roles of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, d-serine, and adenosine triphosphate in depression, providing a basis for the identification of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Fei Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong-Ya Chen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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2
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Miranda L. Antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of activating 5HT2A receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex and the theoretical mechanisms underlying them - A scoping review of available literature. Brain Res 2024; 1846:149226. [PMID: 39251056 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149226] [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: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs that activate the 5HT2A receptor have long been the target of extensive clinical research, particularly in models of psychiatric illness. The aim of this literature review was to investigate the therapeutic effects of 5HT2A receptor activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the respective mechanisms that underlie them. Based on the available research, I suggest that 5HT2A receptors in the ACC exert profound changes in excitatory neurotransmission and brain network connectivity in a way that reduces anxious preoccupation and obsessional thoughts, as well as promoting cognitive flexibility and long-lasting mood improvements in anhedonia. This is possibly due to a complex interplay with glutamate and gamma-butyric acid neurotransmission, particularly 5HT2A activation enhances α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor signalling, thus altering the ratio of AMPA to N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) activity in the ACC, which can dismantle previously established neuronal connections and aid the formation of new ones, an effect that may be beneficial for fear extinction and reversal learning. Psychedelics potentially change intra- and internetwork connectivity, strengthening connectivity from the dorsal ACC / Salience Network to the Default Mode Network (DMN) and Central Executive Network (CEN), which correlates with improvements in attentional shifting and anti-anhedonic effects. Additionally, they may decrease inhibitory influence of the DMN over the CEN which may reduce overevaluation of internal states and ameliorate cognitive deficits. Activation of ACC 5HT2A receptors also has important downstream effects on subcortical areas, including reducing amygdala reactivity to threatening stimuli and enhancing mesolimbic dopamine, respectively improving anxiety and the experience of natural rewards.
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Shirayama Y, Iwata M, Miyano K, Hirose Y, Oda Y, Fujita Y, Hashimoto K. Infusions of beta-hydroxybutyrate, an endogenous NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, produce antidepressant-like effects on learned helplessness rats through BDNF-TrkB signaling and AMPA receptor activation, and strengthen learning ability. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148567. [PMID: 37689333 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148567] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), an endogenous NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, has been shown to be associated with the pathophysiology of depression in rodents. However its active mechanism has not been revealed. Herein, we probed both the pathways and brain regions involved in BHB's antidepressant-like effects in a learned helplessness (LH) rat model of depression. A single bilateral infusion of BHB into the cerebral ventricles induced the antidepressant-like effects on the LH rats. The antidepressant-like effects of BHB were blocked by the TrkB inhibitor ANA-12 and the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX, indicating that the antidepressant-like effects of BHB involve BDNF-TrkB signaling and AMPA receptor activation. Further, infusions of BHB into the prelimbic and infralimbic portions of medial prefrontal cortex, the dentate gyrus of hippocampus, and the basolateral region of amygdala produced the antidepressant-like effects on LH rats. However, infusions of BHB into the central region of amygdala, the CA3 region of hippocampus, and the shell and core regions of nucleus accumbens had no effect. Finally, a single bilateral infusion of BHB into the cerebral ventricles of naive rats strengthened learning ability on repeated active avoidance test where saline-infused animals failed to increase avoidance responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiko Shirayama
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Ichihara, Japan; Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Iwata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Kanako Miyano
- Department of Pain Control Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirose
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasunori Oda
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujita
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
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Edem EE, Oguntala OA, Ikuelogbon DA, Nebo KE, Fafure AA, Akinluyi ET, Isaac GT, Kunlere OE. Prolonged ketamine therapy differentially rescues psychobehavioural deficits via modulation of nitro-oxidative stress and oxytocin receptors in the gut-brain-axis of chronically-stressed mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106370. [PMID: 37678086 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106370] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine is an anaesthetic known to have short but rapid-acting anti-depressant effects; however, the neurobehavioural effects of its prolonged use and its role on the oxytocin system in the gut-brain axis are largely undetermined. Female BALB/c mice were either exposed to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm for 21 days and then treated with ketamine in four doses for 14 days or exposed to CUMS and treated simultaneously in four doses of ketamine during the last two weeks of CUMS exposure. After each dose, the forced swim test was conducted to assess depressive-like behaviour. Before sacrifice, all the mice were subjected to behavioural tests to assess anxiety, memory, and social interaction. Prolonged treatment of depression with ketamine did not rescue depressive-like behaviour. It did, however, improve depression-associated anxiety-like behaviours, short-term memory and social interaction deficits when compared to the stressed untreated mice. Furthermore, ketamine treatment enhanced plasma oxytocin levels, expression of oxytocin receptors; as well as abrogated nitro-oxidative stress biomarkers in the intestinal and hippocampal tissues. Taken together, our findings indicate that while short-term use of ketamine has anti-depressant benefits, its prolonged therapeutic use does not seem to adequately resolve depressive-like behaviour in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edem Ekpenyong Edem
- Neuroscience Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos State, Nigeria.
| | - Oluwatomisn Adeyosola Oguntala
- Neuroscience Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | | | - Kate Eberechukwu Nebo
- Neuroscience Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Adedamola Adediran Fafure
- Neuroscience Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth Toyin Akinluyi
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Godspower Tochukwu Isaac
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Oladunni Eunice Kunlere
- Neuroscience Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
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Perić I, Lješević M, Beškoski V, Nikolić M, Filipović D. Metabolomic profiling relates tianeptine effectiveness with hippocampal GABA, myo-inositol, cholesterol, and fatty acid metabolism restoration in socially isolated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2955-2974. [PMID: 35776189 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Discovering biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD) can give a deeper understanding of this mood disorder and improve the ability to screen for, diagnose, and treat MDD. OBJECTIVES In this study, metabolomics was used in unraveling metabolite fluctuations of MDD and drug outcome by creating specific metabolomic fingerprints. We report metabolomic patterns of change of the hippocampus of adult male Wistar rats following chronic social isolation (CSIS) (6 weeks), an animal model of depression, and/or chronic tianeptine (Tian) treatment (10 mg kg-1 per day) (lasting 3 weeks of 6-week CSIS), monitored by using comprehensive GC × GC-MS. RESULTS The comparative metabolomic analysis highlighted the role of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), iso-allocholate, and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism alterations following the CSIS, which was corroborated with moderate to strong negative Pearson's correlation of GABA, docosahexaenoic, 9-hexadecenoic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic, and arachidonic acids with immobility behavior in the forced swim test. The antidepressant effect of Tian restored GABA levels, which was absent in Tian resilient rats. Tian decreased myo-inositol and increased TCA cycle intermediates, amino acids, and cholesterol and its metabolite. As key molecules of divergence between Tian effectiveness and resilience, metabolomics revealed myo-inositol, GABA, cholesterol, and its metabolite. A significant moderate positive correlation between myo-inositol and immobility was revealed. Tian probably acted by upregulating NMDAR's and α2 adrenergic receptors (AR) or norepinephrine transporter in both control and stressed animals. CONCLUSION Metabolomics revealed several dysregulations underlying CSIS-induced depressive-like behavior and responsiveness to Tian, predominantly converging into NMDAR-mediated glutamate and myo-inositol signalization and GABA inhibitory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Perić
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351, Vinča, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Lješević
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Beškoski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Nikolić
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Filipović
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11351, Vinča, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Gene Dysregulation in the Adult Rat Paraventricular Nucleus and Amygdala by Prenatal Exposure to Dexamethasone. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071077. [PMID: 35888164 PMCID: PMC9316520 DOI: 10.3390/life12071077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Fetal programming is the concept that maternal stressors during critical periods of fetal development can alter offspring phenotypes postnatally. Excess glucocorticoids can interact with the fetus to effect genetic and epigenetic changes implicated in adverse developmental outcomes. The present study investigates how chronic exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone during late gestation alters the expression of genes related to behavior in brain areas relevant to the regulation and function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats received subcutaneous injections of dexamethasone (100 μg/kg) daily from gestational day 15–21 or vehicle only as sham controls. The amygdala and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were micro-punched to extract mRNA for reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the analysis of the expression of specific genes. In the PVN, the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 was downregulated in female rats in response to programming. The expression of CACNA1C encoding the Cav1.2 pore subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels was downregulated in male and female rats prenatally exposed to dexamethasone. Collectively, the results suggest that prenatal exposure to elevated levels of glucocorticoids plays a role in the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and potentially learning and memory by altering the expression of specific genes within the amygdala and PVN.
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Viktorov M, Wilkinson MP, Elston VCE, Stone M, Robinson ESJ. A systematic review of studies investigating the acute effects of N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor antagonists on behavioural despair in normal animals suggests poor predictive validity. Brain Neurosci Adv 2022; 6:23982128221081645. [PMID: 35299619 PMCID: PMC8922211 DOI: 10.1177/23982128221081645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine to induce a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect has led to a surge in pre-clinical studies investigating underlying mechanisms and seeking novel treatments. Animal models are key to this research as they can provide a behavioural readout linking underlying mechanisms to clinical benefits. However, quantifying depression-related behaviours in rodents represents a major challenge with the validity of traditional methods such as models of behavioural despair (forced swim test and tail suspension test) a topic of debate. While there is good evidence to support the value of using these behavioural readouts to study the effects of stress, these approaches have largely failed to detect reliable phenotypic effects in other disease models. In this systematic review, we identified publications which had tested N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in normal animals using either the forced swim test or tail suspension test. We compared findings for different doses and time points and also drugs with different clinical profiles to investigate how well the outcomes in the rodent model predicted their effects in the clinic. Despite clear evidence that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists reduce immobility time and hence exhibit an antidepressant profile in these tasks, we found similar effects with both clinically effective drugs as well as those which have failed to show efficacy in clinical trials. These findings suggest that behavioural despair tests in normal animals do not provide a good method to predict clinical efficacy of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Viktorov
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew P. Wilkinson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Victoria C. E. Elston
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Medi Stone
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma S. J. Robinson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Royo M, Escolano BA, Madrigal MP, Jurado S. AMPA Receptor Function in Hypothalamic Synapses. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:833449. [PMID: 35173598 PMCID: PMC8842481 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.833449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are critical for mediating glutamatergic synaptic transmission and plasticity, thus playing a major role in the molecular machinery underlying cellular substrates of memory and learning. Their expression pattern, transport and regulatory mechanisms have been extensively studied in the hippocampus, but their functional properties in other brain regions remain poorly understood. Interestingly, electrophysiological and molecular evidence has confirmed a prominent role of AMPARs in the regulation of hypothalamic function. This review summarizes the existing evidence on AMPAR-mediated transmission in the hypothalamus, where they are believed to orchestrate the role of glutamatergic transmission in autonomous, neuroendocrine function, body homeostasis, and social behavior.
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Shirayama Y, Iwata M, Fujita Y, Oda Y, Hashimoto K. The Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist TAK-242 induces antidepressant-like effects in a rat learned helplessness model of depression through BDNF-TrkB signaling and AMPA receptor activation. Behav Brain Res 2022; 423:113769. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Wang YT, Wang XL, Feng ST, Chen NH, Wang ZZ, Zhang Y. Novel rapid-acting glutamatergic modulators: Targeting the synaptic plasticity in depression. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105761. [PMID: 34242798 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is severely prevalent, and conventional monoaminergic antidepressants gradually exhibit low therapeutic efficiency, especially for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A neuroplasticity hypothesis is an emerging advancement in the mechanism of depression, mainly expressed in the glutamate system, e.g., glutamate receptors and signaling. Dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission is currently considered to be closely associated with the pathophysiology of MDD. Biological function, pharmacological action, and signal attributes in the glutamate system both regulate the neural process. Specific functional subunits could be therapeutic targets to explore the novel glutamatergic modulators, which have fast-acting, and relatively sustained antidepressant effects. Here, the present review summarizes the pathophysiology of MDD found in the glutamate system, exploring the role of glutamate receptors and their downstream effects. These convergent mechanisms have prompted the development of other modulators targeting on glutamate system, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists, selective GluN2B-specific antagonists, glycine binding site agents, and regulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Relevant researches underly the putative mechanisms of these drugs, which reverse the damage of depression by regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. It also provides further insight into the mechanism of depression and exploring potential targets for novel agent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Si-Tong Feng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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Stone TW. Relationships and Interactions between Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors and Nicotinic Receptors in the CNS. Neuroscience 2021; 468:321-365. [PMID: 34111447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although ionotropic glutamate receptors and nicotinic receptors for acetylcholine (ACh) have usually been studied separately, they are often co-localized and functionally inter-dependent. The objective of this review is to survey the evidence for interactions between the two receptor families and the mechanisms underlying them. These include the mutual regulation of subunit expression, which change the NMDA:AMPA response balance, and the existence of multi-functional receptor complexes which make it difficult to distinguish between individual receptor sites, especially in vivo. This is followed by analysis of the functional relationships between the receptors from work on transmitter release, cellular electrophysiology and aspects of behavior where these can contribute to understanding receptor interactions. It is clear that nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) on axonal terminals directly regulate the release of glutamate and other neurotransmitters, α7-nAChRs generally promoting release. Hence, α7-nAChR responses will be prevented not only by a nicotinic antagonist, but also by compounds blocking the indirectly activated glutamate receptors. This accounts for the apparent anticholinergic activity of some glutamate antagonists, including the endogenous antagonist kynurenic acid. The activation of presynaptic nAChRs is by the ambient levels of ACh released from pre-terminal synapses, varicosities and glial cells, acting as a 'volume neurotransmitter' on synaptic and extrasynaptic sites. In addition, ACh and glutamate are released as CNS co-transmitters, including 'cholinergic' synapses onto spinal Renshaw cells. It is concluded that ACh should be viewed primarily as a modulator of glutamatergic neurotransmission by regulating the release of glutamate presynaptically, and the location, subunit composition, subtype balance and sensitivity of glutamate receptors, and not primarily as a classical fast neurotransmitter. These conclusions and caveats should aid clarification of the sites of action of glutamate and nicotinic receptor ligands in the search for new centrally-acting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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12
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Korczak M, Kurowski P, Leśniak A, Grönbladh A, Filipowska A, Bujalska-Zadrożny M. GABA B receptor intracellular signaling: novel pathways for depressive disorder treatment? Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173531. [PMID: 32871173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Affecting over 320 million people around the world, depression has become a formidable challenge for modern medicine. In addition, an increasing number of studies cast doubt on the monoamine theory of depressive disorder and, worryingly, antidepressant medications only significantly benefit patients with severe depression. Thus, it is not surprising that researchers have shown an increased interest in new theories attempting to explain the pathogenesis of this disease. One example is the excitatory/inhibitory transmission imbalance theory. These abnormalities involve glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. Studies on GABAB receptors and their antagonists are particularly promising for the treatment of depressive disorders. In this paper, intracellular pathways controlled by GABAB receptors and their links to depression are described, including the impact of ketamine on GABAergic synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Korczak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kurowski
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Leśniak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alfhild Grönbladh
- The Beijer Laboratory, Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, The Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Filipowska
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, The Silesian University of Technology, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrożny
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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A comprehensive description of GluN2B-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 200:112447. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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14
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Gordillo-Salas M, Pascual-Antón R, Ren J, Greer J, Adell A. Antidepressant-Like Effects of CX717, a Positive Allosteric Modulator of AMPA Receptors. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:3498-3507. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01954-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Wang H, Tong Y, Xiao D, Xia B. Involvement of mTOR-related signaling in antidepressant effects of Sophoraflavanone G on chronically stressed mice. Phytother Res 2020; 34:2246-2257. [PMID: 32246575 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
SophoraflavanoneG (SG), an important prenylated flavonoid isolated from Sophoraalopecuroides.L, is effective for many illnesses. The present study was designed to investigate whether the compound could reverse depressive-like symptoms and investigate its possible mechanisms. Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) mice were treated with fluoxetine and SG. The immobility time in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were recorded. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus were evaluated. Furthermore, the protein expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p70S6K, BDNF, and Trkb in hippocampus were detected. Rapamycin, the selective mTOR inhibitor, was used to estimate the potential mechanism. As a result, after 7 days of SG treatment, the immobility time in FST and TST was declined obviously. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were significantly reduced, and the quantity of 5-HT and NE was raised considerably in SG-treated group compared with the CUMS-exposed group. Additionally, SG could up-regulate the expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, 70S6K, BDNF, and Trkb. The blockade of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling blunted the antidepressant effect and reversed the up-regulation of BDNF expression caused by SG. These findings suggested that SG treatment alleviated depressive-like symptoms via mTOR-mediated BDNF/Trkb signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Ningxia Research Center of Modern Hui Medicine Engineering and Technology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yue Tong
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Dong Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Baomei Xia
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Science, Nanjing Normal University of Special Education, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and heterogeneous disorder. Although there are many treatment options for MDD, patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remain prevalent, wherein delayed time to response results in inferior chances of achieving remission. Recently, therapeutics have been developed that depart from the traditional monoamine hypothesis of depression and focus instead on the glutamatergic, GABAergic, opioidergic, and inflammatory systems. The literature suggests that the foregoing systems are implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD and preclinical trials have informed the development of pharmaceuticals using these systems as therapeutic targets. Pharmaceuticals that target the glutamatergic system include ketamine, esketamine, and rapastinel; brexanolone and SAGE-217 target the GABAergic system; minocycline targets the inflammatory system; and the combinatory agent buprenorphine + samidorphan targets the opioidergic system. The aforementioned agents have shown efficacy in treating MDD in clinical trials. Of particular clinical relevance are those agents targeting the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems as they exhibit rapid response relative to conventional antidepressants. Rapid response pharmaceuticals have the potential to transform the treatment of MDD, demonstrating reduction in depressive symptoms within 24 hours, as opposed to weeks noted with conventional antidepressants. Novel therapeutics have the potential to improve both patient mood symptomatology and economical productivity, reducing the debased human capital costs associated with MDD. Furthermore, a selection of therapeutic targets provides diverse treatment options which may be beneficial to the patient considering the heterogeneity of MDD.
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Xiao D, Liu L, Li Y, Ruan J, Wang H. Licorisoflavan A Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effect in Mice: Involvement of BDNF-TrkB Pathway and AMPA Receptors. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:2044-2056. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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18
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Vanle B, Olcott W, Jimenez J, Bashmi L, Danovitch I, IsHak WW. NMDA antagonists for treating the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:117. [PMID: 29907742 PMCID: PMC6003962 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), depression is prevalent and disabling, impacting both health outcomes and quality of life. There is a critical need for alternative pharmacological methods to treat PD depression, as mainstream antidepressant drugs are largely ineffective in this population. Currently, there are no recommendations for the optimal treatment of PD neuropsychiatric symptoms. Given the dual antidepressant and anti-dyskinetic effects of ketamine and other N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists for PD, this review aims to examine the current evidence of NMDA antagonists for treating neuropsychiatric symptoms, including memantine, amantadine, ketamine, dizoclopine, and d-cycloserine. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. We also searched the following databases up to March 1, 2018: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The following keywords were used: NMDA antagonist and Parkinson's disease. Two authors independently reviewed the articles identified from the search using specific selection criteria, focusing on studies of mood, psychiatric condition, depression, cognition, and quality of life, and the consensus was reached on the 20 studies included. There is a preliminary evidence that NMDA antagonists may modulate psychiatric symptoms in PD. However, current evidence of psychiatric symptom-modifying effects is inconclusive and requires that further trials be conducted in PD. The repurposing of old NMDA antagonists, such as ketamine for depression and newer therapies, such as rapastinel, suggests that there is an emerging place for modulating the glutamatergic system for treating non-motor symptoms in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Vanle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Wausau, WI, USA.
| | - William Olcott
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaime Jimenez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luma Bashmi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Itai Danovitch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Waguih William IsHak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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19
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Investigation of antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like actions and cognitive and motor side effects of four N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in mice. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:37-47. [PMID: 27740963 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists could be efficacious in treating depression and anxiety, but side effects constitute a challenge. This study evaluated the antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like actions, and cognitive and motor side effects of four NMDAR antagonists. MK-801, ketamine, S-ketamine, RO 25-6981 and the positive control, citalopram, were tested for antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects in mice using the forced-swim test, the elevated zero maze and the novelty-induced hypophagia test. Side effects were assessed using a locomotor activity test, the modified Y-maze and the rotarod test. All compounds increased swim distance in the forced-swim test. In the elevated zero maze, the GluN2B subtype-selective RO 25-6981 affected none of the measured parameters, whereas all other compounds showed anxiolytic-like effects. In the novelty-induced hypophagia test, citalopram and MK-801 showed anxiogenic-like action. All NMDAR antagonists induced hyperactivity. The high doses of ketamine and MK-801 impaired performance in the modified Y-maze test, whereas S-ketamine and RO 25-6891 showed no effects in this test. Only MK-801 impaired rotarod performance. The study supports that NMDARs could be a possible therapeutic target for treating depression and anxiety. However, selective antagonism of GluN2B subunit-containing NMDARs showed no effect on anxiety-like behaviours in this study.
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20
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Aleksandrova LR, Wang YT, Phillips AG. Hydroxynorketamine: Implications for the NMDA Receptor Hypothesis of Ketamine's Antidepressant Action. CHRONIC STRESS 2017; 1. [PMID: 30556028 PMCID: PMC6292673 DOI: 10.1177/2470547017743511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing hypothesis of ketamine’s unique antidepressant effects implicates
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) inhibition-dependent enhancement of
α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor-mediated
transmission, activation of intracellular signalling pathways and increased
synaptogenesis. Recently, however, a seminal study by Zanos et al. directly
challenged the NMDAR hypothesis of ketamine with the claim that an active
ketamine metabolite, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine, devoid of NMDAR binding
properties or key side effects of its parent compound, is both necessary and
sufficient for ketamine’s antidepressant effects in rodents. However, following
these encouraging initial findings, one preclinical study failed to replicate
the antidepressant effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), while others
have questioned the metabolite’s contribution to ketamine’s therapeutic effects
or argued against rejecting the NMDAR hypothesis of ketamine action. In light of
these potentially paradigm-shifting, but highly controversial, findings, this
review will summarise and critically evaluate the evidence for and against the
NMDA receptor hypothesis of ketamine action, with a particular focus on
(2R,6R)-HNK and the implications of its discovery for understanding ketamine’s
mechanism of action in depression. Ultimately, uncovering the molecular
mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ketamine and possibly
(2R,6R)-HNK, will aid the development of novel and more efficacious
antidepressant agents so urgently needed to address a major public health
concern, and could hold potential for the treatment of other stress-related
psychopathologies, including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder
and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily R Aleksandrova
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anthony G Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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21
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Ghasemi M, Phillips C, Fahimi A, McNerney MW, Salehi A. Mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of NMDA receptor modulators in mood disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:555-572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Mendez-David I, Guilloux JP, Papp M, Tritschler L, Mocaer E, Gardier AM, Bretin S, David DJ. S 47445 Produces Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-Like Effects through Neurogenesis Dependent and Independent Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:462. [PMID: 28769796 PMCID: PMC5515821 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamatergic dysfunctions are observed in the pathophysiology of depression. The glutamatergic synapse as well as the AMPA receptor’s (AMPAR) activation may represent new potential targets for therapeutic intervention in the context of major depressive disorders. S 47445 is a novel AMPARs positive allosteric modulator (AMPA-PAM) possessing procognitive, neurotrophic properties and enhancing synaptic plasticity. Here, we investigated the antidepressant/anxiolytic-like effects of S 47445 in a mouse model of anxiety/depression based on chronic corticosterone administration (CORT) and in the Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) model in rats. Four doses of S 47445 (0.3 to 10 mg/kg, oral route, 4 and 5 weeks, respectively) were assessed in both models. In mouse, behavioral effects were tested in various anxiety-and depression-related behaviors : the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field (OF), splash test (ST), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), fur coat state and novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) as well as on hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic arborization in comparison to chronic fluoxetine treatment (18 mg/kg, p.o.). In rats, behavioral effects of S 47445 were monitored using sucrose consumption and compared to those of imipramine or venlafaxine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during the whole treatment period and after withdrawal of treatments. In a mouse model of genetic ablation of hippocampal neurogenesis (GFAP-Tk model), neurogenesis dependent/independent effects of chronic S 47445 treatment were tested, as well as BDNF hippocampal expression. S 47445 reversed CORT-induced depressive-like state by increasing grooming duration and reversing coat state’s deterioration. S 47445 also decreased the immobility duration in TST and FST. The highest doses (3 and 10 mg/kg) seem the most effective for antidepressant-like activity in CORT mice. Furthermore, S 47445 significantly reversed the anxiety phenotype observed in OF (at 1 mg/kg) and EPM (from 1 mg/kg). In the CMS rat model, S 47445 (from 1 mg/kg) demonstrated a rapid onset of effect on anhedonia compared to venlafaxine and imipramine. In the CORT model, S 47445 demonstrated significant neurogenic effects on proliferation, survival and maturation of hippocampal newborn neurons at doses inducing an antidepressant-like effect. It also corrected CORT-induced deficits of growth and arborization of dendrites. Finally, the antidepressant/anxiolytic-like activities of S 47445 required adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the novelty suppressed feeding test contrary to OF, EPM and ST. The observed increase in hippocampal BDNF levels could be one of the mechanisms of S 47445 responsible for the adult hippocampal neurogenesis increase. Altogether, S 47445 displays robust antidepressant-anxiolytic-like properties after chronic administration through neurogenesis dependent/independent mechanisms and neuroplastic activities. The AMPA-PAM S 47445 could have promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of major depressive disorders or generalized anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Mendez-David
- CESP/UMRS-1178, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Sud - Université Paris-SaclayChatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Guilloux
- CESP/UMRS-1178, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Sud - Université Paris-SaclayChatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Mariusz Papp
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of SciencesKrakow, Poland
| | - Laurent Tritschler
- CESP/UMRS-1178, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Sud - Université Paris-SaclayChatenay-Malabry, France
| | | | - Alain M Gardier
- CESP/UMRS-1178, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Sud - Université Paris-SaclayChatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sylvie Bretin
- Institut de Recherches Internationales ServierSuresnes, France
| | - Denis J David
- CESP/UMRS-1178, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Paris-Sud - Université Paris-SaclayChatenay-Malabry, France
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23
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Chan SY, Matthews E, Burnet PWJ. ON or OFF?: Modulating the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor in Major Depression. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 9:169. [PMID: 28133445 PMCID: PMC5233677 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery that a single dose of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, had rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects, there has been increased interest in using NMDAR modulators in the pharmacotherapy of depression. Ketamine's efficacy seems to imply that depression is a disorder of NMDAR hyperfunctionality. However, studies showing that not all NMDAR antagonists are able to act as antidepressants challenge this notion. Furthermore, NMDAR co-agonists have also been gaining attention as possible treatments. Co-agonists such as D-serine and sarcosine have shown efficacy in both pre-clinical models and human trials. This raises the question of how both NMDAR antagonists and agonists are able to have converging behavioral effects. Here we critically review the evidence and proposed therapeutic mechanisms for both NMDAR antagonists and agonists, and collate several theories on how both activation and inhibition of NMDARs appear to have antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yu Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | | | - Philip W J Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
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24
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Jaso BA, Niciu MJ, Iadarola ND, Lally N, Richards EM, Park M, Ballard ED, Nugent AC, Machado-Vieira R, Zarate CA. Therapeutic Modulation of Glutamate Receptors in Major Depressive Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:57-70. [PMID: 26997505 PMCID: PMC5327449 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160321123221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current pharmacotherapies for major depressive disorder (MDD) have a distinct lag of onset that can prolong distress and impairment for patients, and realworld effectiveness trials further suggest that antidepressant efficacy is limited in many patients. All currently approved antidepressant medications for MDD act primarily through monoaminergic mechanisms, e.g., receptor/reuptake agonists or antagonists with varying affinities for serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and glutamate and its cognate receptors are implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD, as well as in the development of novel therapeutics for this disorder. Since the rapid and robust antidepressant effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine were first observed in 2000, other NMDA receptor antagonists have been studied in MDD. These have been associated with relatively modest antidepressant effects compared to ketamine, but some have shown more favorable characteristics with increased potential in clinical practice (for instance, oral administration, decreased dissociative and/or psychotomimetic effects, and reduced abuse/diversion liability). This article reviews the clinical evidence supporting the use of glutamate receptor modulators with direct affinity for cognate receptors: 1) non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists (ketamine, memantine, dextromethorphan, AZD6765); 2) subunit (NR2B)-specific NMDA receptor antagonists (CP- 101,606/traxoprodil, MK-0657); 3) NMDA receptor glycine-site partial agonists (D-cycloserine, GLYX- 13); and 4) metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) modulators (AZD2066, RO4917523/basimglurant). Several other theoretical glutamate receptor targets with preclinical antidepressant-like efficacy, but that have yet to be studied clinically, are also briefly discussed; these include α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4- isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) agonists, mGluR2/3 negative allosteric modulators, and mGluR7 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Jaso
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark J. Niciu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicolas D. Iadarola
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Níall Lally
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Erica M. Richards
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Minkyung Park
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Ballard
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Allison C. Nugent
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rodrigo Machado-Vieira
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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25
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Fitzpatrick CM, Larsen M, Madsen LH, Caballero-Puntiverio M, Pickering DS, Clausen RP, Andreasen JT. Positive allosteric modulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid glutamate receptors differentially modulates the behavioural effects of citalopram in mouse models of antidepressant and anxiolytic action. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:549-55. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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26
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Abstract
All currently approved antidepressant medications for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder act primarily on the monoaminergic system and have varying affinities for serotonergic, norepinephrine-ergic, and/or dopaminergic receptors. Unfortunately, these drugs are only effective in approximately two-thirds of patients. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and the glutamatergic system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. Here, we review the putative involvement of the glutamate receptor subtypes-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA), kainate, and the group I, II, and III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs)-in the development of novel and more effective treatments for MDD as well as preclinical and clinical trials of drugs targeting these receptors. The rapid and robust antidepressant effects of ketamine-an NMDA receptor antagonist-have been consistently replicated in multiple trials. Other glutamatergic drugs have been investigated with varying success. Here, we highlight some of the most interesting results, including: 1) repeated oral, intramuscular, and sublingual ketamine appears to be less robustly effective than intravenous ketamine, but also causes fewer significant adverse effects; 2) the glycine partial agonist GLYX-13 appears to be effective both as monotherapy and adjunctive treatment in the treatment of MDD. An oral analogue, NRX-1074, is currently under investigation; and 3) mGluR modulators targeting mGluR5 have demonstrated convincing preclinical results.
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27
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Tang J, Xue W, Xia B, Ren L, Tao W, Chen C, Zhang H, Wu R, Wang Q, Wu H, Duan J, Chen G. Involvement of normalized NMDA receptor and mTOR-related signaling in rapid antidepressant effects of Yueju and ketamine on chronically stressed mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13573. [PMID: 26315757 PMCID: PMC4551989 DOI: 10.1038/srep13573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Yueju, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, exhibited fast-onset antidepressant responses similar to ketamine. This study focused on assessing the rapid and persistent antidepressant efficacy of Yueju and ketamine in chronically stressed mice and its association with alternations in prefrontal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-related activity. Chronic mild stress (CMS) led to deficits in sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test, tail suspension test, and novelty-suppressed feeding test, which were improved differently by acute Yueju or ketamine administration. The improvement in SPT started as soon as 2 hours post Yueju and ketamine but lasted for 6 days only by Yueju. Body weight was regained by Yueju more than ketamine at post-drug administration day (PAD) 6. CMS decreased phosphorylation of the mTOR effectors 4E-BP1 and p70S6K, their upstream regulators ERK and Akt, and downstream targets including synaptic protein GluR1. Yueju or ketamine reversed these changes at PAD 2, but only Yueju reversed phosphor-Akt at PAD 6. CMS selectively and lastingly increased NMDA receptor subunit NR1 expression, which was reversed by ketamine or Yueju at PAD 2 but only by Yueju at PAD 6. These findings suggest that NR1 and Akt/mTOR signaling are important therapeutic targets for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Tang
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Physiology Research Section, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenda Xue
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Baomei Xia
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Ren
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiwei Tao
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chang Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hailou Zhang
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ruyan Wu
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qisheng Wang
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haoxin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinao Duan
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, School of Basic Biomedical Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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Iadarola ND, Niciu MJ, Richards EM, Vande Voort JL, Ballard ED, Lundin NB, Nugent AC, Machado-Vieira R, Zarate CA. Ketamine and other N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in the treatment of depression: a perspective review. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2015; 6:97-114. [PMID: 25954495 DOI: 10.1177/2040622315579059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Current pharmacotherapies for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BDep) have a distinct lag of onset that can generate great distress and impairment in patients. Furthermore, as demonstrated by several real-world effectiveness trials, their efficacy is limited. All approved antidepressant medications for MDD primarily act through monoaminergic mechanisms, agonists or antagonists with varying affinities for serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The glutamate system has received much attention in recent years as an avenue for developing novel therapeutics. A single subanesthetic dose infusion of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has been shown to have rapid and potent antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant MDD and BDep. In a reverse translational framework, ketamine's clinical efficacy has inspired many preclinical studies to explore glutamatergic mechanisms of antidepressant action. These studies have revealed enhanced synaptic plasticity/synaptogenesis via numerous molecular and cellular mechanisms: release of local translational inhibition of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and secretion from dendritic spines, mammalian target of rapamycin activation and glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition. Current efforts are focused on extending ketamine's antidepressant efficacy, uncovering the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for ketamine's antidepressant activity in biologically enriched subgroups, and identifying treatment response biomarkers to personalize antidepressant selection. Other NMDA receptor antagonists have been studied both preclinically and clinically, which have revealed relatively modest antidepressant effects compared with ketamine but potentially other favorable characteristics, for example, decreased dissociative or psychotomimetic effects; therefore, there is great interest in developing novel glutamatergic antidepressants with greater target specificity and/or decreased adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas D Iadarola
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark J Niciu
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erica M Richards
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Vande Voort
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Ballard
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nancy B Lundin
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Allison C Nugent
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rodrigo Machado-Vieira
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, 10 Center Dr., Building 10/CRC, Room 7-5545, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Andreasen JT, Fitzpatrick CM, Larsen M, Skovgaard L, Nielsen SD, Clausen RP, Troelsen K, Pickering DS. Differential role of AMPA receptors in mouse tests of antidepressant and anxiolytic action. Brain Res 2015; 1601:117-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Niimi K, Takahashi E. Characterization of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) as an animal model for brain research. Exp Anim 2014; 63:1-9. [PMID: 24521858 PMCID: PMC4160935 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.63.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) was developed by selective breeding of the AKR/J
strain, based on a graded score for senescence, which led to the development of both
senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP), and senescence-accelerated resistant (SAMR) strains.
Among the SAMP strains, SAMP6 is well characterized as a model of senile osteoporosis, but
its brain and neuronal functions have not been well studied. We therefore decided to
characterize the central nervous system of SAMP6, in combination with different behavioral
tests and analysis of its biochemical and pharmacological properties. Multiple behavioral
tests revealed higher motor activity, reduced anxiety, anti-depressant activity, motor
coordination deficits, and enhanced learning and memory in SAMP6 compared with SAMR1.
Biochemical and pharmacological analyses revealed several alterations in the dopamine and
serotonin systems, and in long-term potentiation (LTP)-related molecules. In this review,
we discuss the possibility of using SAMP6 as a model of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimie Niimi
- Support Unit for Animal Resources Development, Research Resources Center, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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Nasser A, Møller LB, Olesen JH, Konradsen Refsgaard L, Konradsen LS, Andreasen JT. Anxiety- and depression-like phenotype of hph-1 mice deficient in tetrahydrobiopterin. Neurosci Res 2014; 89:44-53. [PMID: 25218564 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Decreased tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was therefore to characterise the phenotype of homozygous hph-1 (hph) mice, a model of BH4 deficiency, in behavioural tests of anxiety and depression as well as determine hippocampal monoamine and plasma nitric oxide levels. In the elevated zero maze test, hph mice displayed increased anxiety-like responses compared to wild-type mice, while the marble burying test revealed decreased anxiety-like behaviour. This was particularly observed in male mice. In the tail suspension test, hph mice of both sexes displayed increased depression-like behaviours compared to wild-type counterparts, whereas the forced swim test showed a trend towards increased depression-like behaviours in male hph mice, but significant decrease in depression-like behaviours in female mice. This study provides the first evidence that congenital BH4 deficiency regulates anxiety- and depression-like behaviours. The altered responses observed possibly reflect decreased hippocampal serotonin and dopamine found in hph mice compared to wild-type mice, but also reduced nitric oxide formation. We propose that the hph-1 mouse may be a novel tool to investigate the role of BH4 deficiency in anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arafat Nasser
- Applied Human Molecular Genetics, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lisbeth B Møller
- Applied Human Molecular Genetics, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jess H Olesen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Konradsen Refsgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen
| | - Louise S Konradsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Naughton M, Clarke G, O'Leary OF, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. A review of ketamine in affective disorders: current evidence of clinical efficacy, limitations of use and pre-clinical evidence on proposed mechanisms of action. J Affect Disord 2014; 156:24-35. [PMID: 24388038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research has seen low-dose ketamine emerge as a novel, rapid-acting antidepressant. Ketamine, an N-methy-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, leads to effects on the glutamatergic system and abnormalities in this neurotransmittor system are present in depression. This article aims to (1) review the clinical literature on low-dose ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant in affective disorders, (2) provide a critical overview of the limitations of ketamine and research attempts to overcome these (3) discuss the proposed mechanisms of action of ketamine and (4) point towards future research directions. METHOD The electronic database Pubmed, Web of Science and sciencedirect were searched using the keywords: ketamine, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, rapid-acting antidepressant, depression, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar depression, suicidal ideation, electroconvulsive therapy, mechanism of action. RESULT The literature demonstrates evidence supporting a rapid-acting antidepressant effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine in major depressive disorder, in bipolar depression and in depression with suicidal ideation. There are mixed results as to whether ketamine leads to a reduction in time to remission in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Efforts to unravel ketamine's therapeutic mechanism of action have implicated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent synapse formation in the rat prefrontal cortex, eukaryotic elongation factor 2 phosphorylation (p-eEF2) and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3). Ketamine's limiting factors are the transient nature of its antidepressant effect and concerns regarding abuse, and research efforts to overcome these are reviewed. CONCLUSION Current and future research studies are using ketamine as a promising tool to evaluate the glutamatergic neurotransmittor system to learn more about the pathophysiology of depression and develop more specific rapid-acting antidepressant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Naughton
- Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork City, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork City, Cork, Ireland; Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Olivia F O'Leary
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork City, Cork, Ireland; Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Lakhan SE, Caro M, Hadzimichalis N. NMDA Receptor Activity in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:52. [PMID: 23772215 PMCID: PMC3677126 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a variety of physiologic roles and their proper signaling is essential for cellular homeostasis. Any disruption in this pathway, leading to either enhanced or decreased activity, may result in the manifestation of neuropsychiatric pathologies such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, substance induced psychosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we explore the notion that the overlap in activity of at least one biochemical pathway, the NMDA receptor pathway, may be the link to understanding the overlap in psychotic symptoms between diseases. This review intends to present a broad overview of those neuropsychiatric disorders for which alternations in NMDA receptor activity is prominent thus suggesting that continued direction of pharmaceutical intervention to this pathway may present a viable option for managing symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen E Lakhan
- Biosciences Department, Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation , Beverly Hills, CA , USA ; Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland, OH , USA
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