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Pałasz A, Menezes IC, Worthington JJ. The role of brain gaseous neurotransmitters in anxiety. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:357-371. [PMID: 33713315 PMCID: PMC7994231 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although anxiety is perhaps one of the most significant current medical and social problems, the neurochemical mechanistic background of this common condition remains to be fully understood. Multifunctional regulatory gasotransmitters are novel, atypical inorganic factors of the brain that are involved in the mechanisms of anxiety responses. Nitric oxide (NO) signaling shows ambiguous action in animal models of anxiety, while NO donors exert anxiogenic or anxiolytic effect depending on their chemical structure, dose, treatment schedule and gas release rapidity. The majority of NO synthase inhibitors act as a relatively potent axiolytic agents, while hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO) delivered experimentally in the form of "slow" or "fast" releasing donors have recently been considered as anxiolytic neurotransmitters. In this comprehensive review we critically summarize the literature regarding the intriguing roles of NO, H2S and CO in the neuromolecular mechanisms of anxiety in the context of their putative, yet promising therapeutic application. A possible mechanism of gasotransmitter action at the level of anxiety-related synaptic transmission is also presented. Brain gasesous neuromediators urgently require further wide ranging studies to clarify their potential value for the current neuropharmacology of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, School of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Itiana Castro Menezes
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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2
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Lamtai M, Chaibat J, Ouakki S, Zghari O, Mesfioui A, El Hessni A, Rifi EH, Marmouzi I, Essamri A, Ouichou A. Effect of Chronic Administration of Nickel on Affective and Cognitive Behavior in Male and Female Rats: Possible Implication of Oxidative Stress Pathway. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8080141. [PMID: 30065183 PMCID: PMC6119950 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8080141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nickel (Ni) toxicity has been reported to produce biochemical and behavioral dysfunction. The present study was undertaken to examine whether Ni chronic administration can induce alterations of affective and cognitive behavior and oxidative stress in male and female rats. Twenty-four rats, for each gender, divided into control and three test groups (n = 6), were injected intraperitoneally with saline (0.9% NaCl) or NiCl2 (0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. After treatment period, animals were tested in the open-field, elevated plus maze tests for anxiety-like behavior, and forced swimming test for depression-like behavior. The Morris Water Maze was used to evaluate the spatial learning and memory. The hippocampus of each animal was taken for biochemical examination. The results showed that Ni administration dose dependently increased anxiety-like behavior in both tests. A significant increase in depression-like symptoms was also exhibited by Ni treated rats. In the Morris Water Maze test, the spatial learning and memory were significantly impaired just in males treated with 1 mg/kg of Ni. With regard to biochemical analysis, activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly decreased, while the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the hippocampus were significantly increased in the Ni-treated groups. Consequently, chronic Ni administration induced behavioral and biochemical dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouloud Lamtai
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Jihane Chaibat
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Sihame Ouakki
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Oussama Zghari
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Abdelhalem Mesfioui
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Aboubaker El Hessni
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - El-Housseine Rifi
- Laboratory of Synthesis Organic and Extraction Processes, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Ilias Marmouzi
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie, équipe de Pharmacocinétique, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, University Mohammed V in Rabat, BP 6203, Rabat Instituts, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
| | - Azzouz Essamri
- Laboratory of Agro-Resources and Process Engineering, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
| | - Ali Ouichou
- Unit of Nervous and Endocrine Physiology, Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra 14000, Morocco.
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Soares LM, Meyer E, Milani H, Steinbusch HWM, Prickaerts J, de Oliveira RMW. The phosphodiesterase type 2 inhibitor BAY 60-7550 reverses functional impairments induced by brain ischemia by decreasing hippocampal neurodegeneration and enhancing hippocampal neuronal plasticity. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:510-520. [PMID: 27813297 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and affective impairments are the most characterized consequences following cerebral ischemia. BAY 60-7550, a selective phosphodiesterase type 2 inhibitor (PDE2-I), presents memory-enhancing and anxiolytic-like properties. The behavioral effects of BAY 60-7550 have been associated with its ability to prevent hydrolysis of both cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) thereby interfering with neuronal plasticity. Here, we hypothesize that PDE2-I treatment could promote functional recovery after brain ischemia. Mice C57Bl/6 were submitted to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), an experimental model of transient brain ischemia, for 20 min. During 21 days after reperfusion, the animals were tested in a battery of behavioral tests including the elevated zero maze (EZM), object location task (OLT) and forced swim test (FST). The effects of BAY 60-7550 were evaluated on neuronal nuclei (NeuN), caspase-9, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus. BCCAO increased anxiety levels, impaired hippocampus-dependent cognitive function and induced despair-like behavior in mice. Hippocampal neurodegeneration was evidenced by a decrease in NeuN and increase incaspase-9 protein levels in BCCAO mice. Ischemic mice also showed low BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus. Repeated treatment with BAY 60-7550 attenuated the behavioral impairments induced by BCCAO in mice. Concomitantly, BAY 60-7550 enhanced expression of pCREB and BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus of ischemic mice. The present findings suggest that chronic inhibition of PDE2 provides functional recovery in BCCAO mice possibly by augmenting hippocampal neuronal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Mendes Soares
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Erika Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Humberto Milani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Harry W M Steinbusch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rúbia M Weffort de Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Kielstein H, Suntharalingam M, Perthel R, Song R, Schneider SM, Martens-Lobenhoffer J, Jäger K, Bode-Böger SM, Kielstein JT. Role of the endogenous nitric oxide inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in depression and behavioural changes: clinical and preclinical data in chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015; 30:1699-705. [PMID: 26175142 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric alterations, including depression and behavioural changes. CKD is also associated with decreased physical activity not fully explained by co-morbidities. In patients without CKD, the brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) as well as the endogenous NOS inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) had been suspected to be involved in major depression. The aim of our study was to examine the role of ADMA and BDNF in the behaviour of haemodialysis patients (CKD5D) as well as in a rat model of 5/6 nephrectomy and chronic ADMA infusion alone. METHODS Eleven (5F/6M) CKD5D patients underwent Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) testing along with analysis of ADMA and BDNF. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (i) saline infusion; (ii) ADMA (250 µg/kg/day) infusion via osmotic mini pumps; (iii) 5/6 nephrectomy; (iv) untreated controls. After 28 days, the animals underwent behavioural tests measuring anxiety, locomotion and investigative behaviour. Animals were sacrificed, blood samples were drawn and analysed and hippocampal immunohistology for BDNF was performed. RESULTS In CKD5D patients, decreased BDNF levels correlated with higher scores of depression (Pearson r = -0.8156, P = 0.002). ADMA infusion led to a significant decrease of BDNF while the decrease of BDNF in 5/6 nephrectomy was not significant. However, an attenuated hippocampal BDNF expression could be detected in 5/6 nephrecomized animals. Decreased spontaneous locomotor activity was shown in ADMA-infused rats [15.9 (13.5-26.1) lines crossed/min] and 5/6 nephrectomy [14.6 (6.1-20.2) lines crossed/min] when compared with controls [32.5 (15.3-42.4) lines crossed/min]. Anxiety-like behaviour tested by hole investigation time was significantly more pronounced in 5/6 nephrectomy [24 (6-44) s] when compared with ADMA infusion [64 (28-93) s] and controls [33 (26-65) s]. CONCLUSIONS Progressive renal failure in rats is accompanied by a marked increase of ADMA and a decrease in BDNF. 5/6 nephrectomy leads to significantly decreased exploratory behaviour and locomotion. Both behaviours could be reproduced by ADMA infusion alone. Indicators of anxiety were more pronounced in ADMA-infused animals when compared with 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Furthermore, an inverse relationship of BDNF and BDI in 11 CKD5D patients was shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Kielstein
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mayuren Suntharalingam
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ronny Perthel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rong Song
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabrina M Schneider
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Kristin Jäger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefanie M Bode-Böger
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jan T Kielstein
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Sanna MD, Monti M, Casella L, Roggeri R, Galeotti N, Morbidelli L. Neuronal effects of a nickel-piperazine/NO donor complex in rodents. Pharmacol Res 2015; 99:162-73. [PMID: 26094781 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In the brain, NO is a very important molecule in the regulation of cerebral and extra cerebral cranial blood flow and arterial diameters. It is also importantly involved in many neuronal functions and innumerable roles of NO in many brain related disorders including epilepsy, schizophrenia, drug addiction, anxiety, major depression, have been postulated. The present study aimed to explore the neuronal role exerted by the metal-nonoate compound Ni(PipNONO)Cl, a novel NO donor whose vascular protective effects have been recently demonstrated. Ni(PipNONO)Cl showed antidepressant-like properties in the tail suspension test and antiamnesic activity in the passive avoidance test in the absence of any hypernociceptive response to a mechanical stimulus. These effects were related to the NO-releasing properties of the compound within the central nervous system as demonstrated by the increase of iNOS levels in the brain, spinal cord and dura mater. The modulation of neuronal functions appeared after acute and repeated treatment, showing the lack of any tolerance to neuronal effects. At the dose used (10 mg/kg i.p.), Ni(PipNONO)Cl did not induce any visible sign of toxicity and experiments were performed in the absence of locomotor impairments. In addition to the NO-related neuronal activities of Ni(PipNONO)Cl, the decomposition control compound Ni(Pip)Cl2 showed anxiogenic-like and procognitive effects. The present findings showed neuronal modulatory activity of Ni(PipNONO)Cl through a NO-mediated mechanism. The activities of the decomposition compound Ni(Pip)Cl2 attributed to Ni(PipNONO)Cl the capability to modulate additional neuronal functions independently from NO releasing properties extending and improving the therapeutic perspectives of the NO donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Domenica Sanna
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Monti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; Noxamet Ltd, Via Besana 2, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Casella
- Noxamet Ltd, Via Besana 2, 20122 Milano, Italy; Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; Noxamet Ltd, Via Besana 2, 20122 Milano, Italy
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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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Determination of motor activity and anxiety-related behaviour in rodents: methodological aspects and role of nitric oxide. Interdiscip Toxicol 2014; 6:126-35. [PMID: 24678249 PMCID: PMC3967438 DOI: 10.2478/intox-2013-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In various areas of the bio-medical, pharmacological and psychological research a multitude of behavioural tests have been used to investigate the effects of environmental, genetic and epi-genetic factors as well as pharmacological substances or diseased states on behaviour and thus on the physiological and psycho-social status of experimental subjects. This article is reviewing the most frequently used behavioural tests in animal research (open field, elevated plus maze, zero maze, and black and white box). It provides a summary of common characteristics as well as differences in the methods used in various studies to determine motor activity, anxiety and emotionality. Additionally to methodological aspects, strain, sex and stress-related differences as well as the involvement of nitric oxide in modulation of motor activity and anxiety of rodents were briefly reviewed.
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Lisboa S, Magesto A, Aguiar J, Resstel L, Guimarães F. Complex interaction between anandamide and the nitrergic system in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray to modulate anxiety-like behavior in rats. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:86-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Evaluation of functional relationship between mouse hippocampal cholinergic and nitrergic systems in anxiogenic-like behavior. Behav Pharmacol 2013; 24:229-36. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e3283618b16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Influence of nitric oxide agents in the dorsal hippocampus of mice on anxiogenic-like effect induced by histamine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 102:391-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Carlile EL, Shirachi DY, Quock RM. An anxiolytic-like effect of hyperbaric oxygen in the mouse light/dark exploration test. Life Sci 2012; 90:267-71. [PMID: 22154905 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We studied whether hyperbaric oxygen (HBO(2)) treatment, which is known to increase production of nitric oxide (NO) in the brain, might also produce an NO-dependent anxiolytic-like behavioral response. MAIN METHODS Male NIH Swiss mice (20-25g) were subjected to a 60-min HBO(2) treatment at different absolute atmospheres, and anxiety was assessed using the light/dark exploration test at different time intervals following the cessation of HBO(2) treatment. To ascertain the underlying mechanism of action, other groups of mice were pretreated with the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine acetate, the NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxy-3-oxide (carboxy-PTIO), the soluble guanylyl cyclase-inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil to determine their influence on the HBO(2)-induced anxiolytic-like effect. KEY FINDINGS A 60-min HBO(2) treatment at 3.0 absolute atmospheres increased the time spent by mice in the light compartment that lasted up to 90 min following the end of HBO(2) treatment. This anxiolytic effect of HBO(2) was significantly reduced by pretreatment with L-NMMA, carboxy-PTIO, ODQ and flumazenil. SIGNIFICANCE Based on these findings, we conclude that a 60-min HBO(2) treatment is capable of inducing an anxiolytic effect that possibly involves NO, cyclic GMP and the benzodiazepine binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina L Carlile
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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12
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Post-weaning environmental enrichment alters affective responses and interacts with behavioral testing to alter nNOS immunoreactivity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Zarrindast MR, Nasehi M, Khansari M, Bananej M. Influence of nitric oxide agents in the rat amygdala on anxiogenic-like effect induced by histamine. Neurosci Lett 2011; 489:38-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 11/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Del-Bel EA, Guimarães FS, Joca SRL, Echeverry MB, Ferreira FR. Tolerance to the cataleptic effect that follows repeated nitric oxide synthase inhibition may be related to functional enzymatic recovery. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:397-405. [PMID: 18838497 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108097717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic or intra-striatal acute administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors causes catalepsy in rodents. This effect disappears after sub-chronic treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate if this tolerance is related to changes in the expression of NOS or dopamine-2 (D2) receptor or to a recovery of NOS activity. Male albino Swiss mice (25-30 g) received single or sub-chronic (once a day for 4 days) i.p. injections of saline or L-nitro-arginine (L-NOARG, 40 mg/kg), a non-selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Twenty-four hours after the last injection, the animals were killed and their brains were removed for immunohistochemistry assay to detect the presence of nNOS or for 'in-situ' hybridisation study using (35)S-labeled oligonucleotide probe complementary to D2 receptor mRNA. The results were analysed by computerised densitometry. Independent groups of animals received the same treatment, but were submitted to the catalepsy test and had their brain removed to measure nitrite and nitrate (NOx) concentrations in the striatum. Acute administration of L-NOARG caused catalepsy that disappeared after sub-chronic treatment. The levels of NOx were significantly reduced after acute L-NOARG treatment. The decrease in NOx after drug injection suffered a partial tolerance after sub-chronic treatment. The catalepsy time after acute or sub-chronic treatment with L-NOARG was negatively (r = -0.717) correlated with NOx levels. Animals that received repeated L-NOARG injections also showed an increase in the number of nNOS-positive neurons in the striatum. No change in D2 receptor mRNA expression was found in the dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens and substantia nigra. Together, these results suggest that tolerance to L-NOARG cataleptic effects do not depend on changes in D2 receptors. They may depend, however, on plastic changes in nNOS neurons resulting in partial recovery of NO formation in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Del-Bel
- Department of MEF-Physiology, School of Odontology, Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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15
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Wegener G, Volke V. Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors as Antidepressants. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:273-299. [PMID: 27713253 PMCID: PMC3991030 DOI: 10.3390/ph3010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Revised: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective and anxiety disorders are widely distributed disorders with severe social and economic effects. Evidence is emphatic that effective treatment helps to restore function and quality of life. Due to the action of most modern antidepressant drugs, serotonergic mechanisms have traditionally been suggested to play major roles in the pathophysiology of mood and stress-related disorders. However, a few clinical and several pre-clinical studies, strongly suggest involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in these disorders. Moreover, several of the conventional neurotransmitters, including serotonin, glutamate and GABA, are intimately regulated by NO, and distinct classes of antidepressants have been found to modulate the hippocampal NO level in vivo. The NO system is therefore a potential target for antidepressant and anxiolytic drug action in acute therapy as well as in prophylaxis. This paper reviews the effect of drugs modulating NO synthesis in anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregers Wegener
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, University of Aarhus, Skovagervej 2, DK-8240 Risskov, Denmark.
| | - Vallo Volke
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, EE-70111 Tartu, Estonia.
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Issy A, Salum C, Del Bel E. Nitric oxide modulation of methylphenidate-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition in Swiss mice. Behav Brain Res 2009; 205:475-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Masood A, Huang Y, Hajjhussein H, Xiao L, Li H, Wang W, Hamza A, Zhan CG, O'Donnell JM. Anxiolytic effects of phosphodiesterase-2 inhibitors associated with increased cGMP signaling. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 331:690-9. [PMID: 19684253 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.156729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase (PDE)-2 is a component of the nitric-oxide synthase (NOS)/guanylyl cyclase signaling pathway in the brain. Given recent evidence that pharmacologically induced changes in NO-cGMP signaling can affect anxiety-related behaviors, the effects of the PDE2 inhibitors (2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-det-5-methylimidazo-[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4(3H)-one) (Bay 60-7550) and 3-(8-methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-7-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-5-yl)benzamide (ND7001), as well as modulators of NO, were assessed on cGMP signaling in neurons and on the behavior of mice in the elevated plus-maze, hole-board, and open-field tests, well established procedures for the evaluation of anxiolytics. Bay 60-7550 (1 microM) and ND7001 (10 microM) increased basal and N-methyl-d-aspartate- or detanonoate-stimulated cGMP in primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical neurons; Bay 60-7550, but not ND7001, also increased cAMP. Increased cGMP signaling, either by administration of the PDE2 inhibitors Bay 60-7550 (0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg) or ND7001 (1 mg/kg), or the NO donor detanonoate (0.5 mg/kg), antagonized the anxiogenic effects of restraint stress on behavior in the three tests. These drugs also produced anxiolytic effects on behavior in nonstressed mice in the elevated plus-maze and hole-board tests; these effects were antagonized by the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (20 mg/kg). By contrast, the NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (50 mg/kg), which reduces cGMP signaling, produced anxiogenic effects similar to restraint stress. Overall, the present behavioral and neurochemical data suggest that PDE2 may be a novel pharmacological target for the development of drugs for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbrin Masood
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
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18
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Moiseeva YV, Khonicheva NM, Ajrapetyanz MG, Onufriev MV, Lazareva NA, Stepanichev MY, Gulyaeva NV. Increased anxiety level induced by social crowding stress in rats is not related to changes in the nitrergic system of the brain. NEUROCHEM J+ 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712409010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuates l-DOPA-induced dyskinesias in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience 2009; 159:927-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 01/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Anxiogenic-like effects induced by NMDA receptor activation are prevented by inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the periaqueductal gray in mice. Brain Res 2008; 1240:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Revised: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Peregud DI, Vorontsova ON, Yakovlev AA, Panchenko LF, Gulyaeva NV. Changes in anxiety in abstinence correlate with the state of the nigrostriatal system in the rat hippocampus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 38:443-8. [PMID: 18607757 DOI: 10.1007/s11055-008-9000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 01/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Opiate dependence results from impairments of neuronal plasticity, i.e., so-called aberrant neuroplasticity, formation of which involves long-term structural-functional rearrangements persisting even during drug abstinence. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved both in mediating the effects of opiates and in the mechanisms of some types of neuroplasticity, so NO may potentially take part in the development of psychopathological processes on opiate withdrawal. The present study addressed measures of the nitrergic system (nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitrite and nitrate (NO (x) (-) ) concentrations) in areas of the rat brain; anxiety was also assessed, in terms of behavioral measures in the elevated plus maze, during morphine withdrawal. NOS activity was found to increase by day 3, while the NO (x) (-) concentration was increased by day 6 of withdrawal, these changes being seen only in the hippocampus. At six days after morphine withdrawal, rats showed more entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze and remained in these arms longer. Correlations were found between measures of the NO system in the hippocampus and the behavior of the animals in the maze. These results suggest that changes in the activity of the nitrergic system in the hippocampus represent one of the molecular mechanisms impairing the behavior of animals in abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D I Peregud
- Federal State National Scientific Center of Drug Addiction, Russian Ministry of Health, 3 Malyi Mogol'tsevskii Lane, Moscow, Russia.
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22
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Nitric oxide involvement and neural substrates of the conditioned and innate fear as evaluated in the T-maze test in rats. Behav Brain Res 2008; 189:341-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2006] [Revised: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor decreases 6-hydroxydopamine effects on tyrosine hydroxylase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the rat nigrostriatal pathway. Brain Res 2008; 1203:160-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.01.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Revised: 01/29/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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24
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Spolidório PCM, Echeverry MB, Iyomasa M, Guimarães FS, Del Bel EA. Anxiolytic effects induced by inhibition of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in the rat dorsal hippocampus. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 195:183-92. [PMID: 17661019 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 07/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Conflicting results have been reported regarding the role of the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the hippocampus on anxiety modulation. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of intrahippocampal injections of drugs that modify the NO-cGMP pathway in rats submitted to two animal models that are sensitive to anxiolytic drugs, the elevated plus-maze and the Vogel punished licking test. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats with cannulae aimed at the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus received microinjections of the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors N (G)-nitro-L: -arginine methyl ester (LNAME, 15-300 nmol/0.2 microl), N (G)-nitro-L: -arginine (LNOARG, 50-300 nmol/0.2 microl), 7-nitroindazole (7NI, 10-100 nmol/0.2 microl), or the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-oxadiazolo-quinoxalin-1 one (ODQ, 10-100 nmol/0.2 microl), and were submitted to the elevated plus-maze. In a second group, the animals received 7NI, LNAME, or ODQ and were submitted to the Vogel punished licking test. To control for drug-induced changes in locomotor behavior, the animals were submitted to an open arena or to the Rota-rod test. RESULTS All drugs increased the exploration of the open arms of the elevated plus-maze. They also increased the number of punished licks in the Vogel test, indicating an anxiolytic effect. The anxiolytic effect of LNAME was prevented by previous treatment with L: -arginine (300 nmol/0.2 microl). Except for the lower dose of LNAME (15 nmol), administration of the NOS inhibitors or ODQ did not change exploratory activity in the open field nor cause any gross locomotor impairment in the Rota-rod test. CONCLUSION The results suggest that NO plays an anxiogenic role in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C M Spolidório
- Department MEF-Physiology, School of Odontology, Campus USP Ribeirão Preto, 14049-904, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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25
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Echeverry MB, Salgado ML, Ferreira FR, da-Silva CA, Del Bel EA. Intracerebroventricular administration of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase inhibitors induces catalepsy in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 194:271-8. [PMID: 17593355 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/21/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Catalepsy is a preclinical test that predicts extrapyramidal symptoms in humans. It models symptoms of acute extrapyramidal side effects induced at the beginning of antipsychotic treatment. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in a series of neurobiological functions underlying behavior. For example, inhibition of NO synthesis disrupts rodent exploratory behavior and induces catalepsy. Although several effects mediated by NO involve the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), the transduction mechanism of the catalepsy-inducing effect of NO has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES The study was designed to test if intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) microinjection of NO-sensitive inhibitors of sGC (NO-sGC) induces catalepsy in mice similar to that induced by NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors. Exploratory behavior was tested in the open field. In addition, the effects of a NOS inhibitor on oxidative metabolites of NO were measured in the striatum. MATERIALS AND METHODS Drug effects were examined in the hanging-bar test after the following i.c.v. treatments: oxadiazolo-quinoxalin (ODQ, 30-300 nmol) or methylene blue (MB, 3-100 nmol), selective and nonselective sGC inhibitors, respectively, or 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, 3-90 nmol) and G-nitro-L: -arginine methyl ester (L: -NAME, 3-90 nmol), selective and nonselective neuronal NOS inhibitors. To test if the effects were related to interference with the NO system, additional groups received 7-NI (30 nmol), ODQ (100 nmol), or L-NAME (90 nmol) preceded by L: -arginine (L: -arg, 30-100 nmol, i.c.v. 30 min before). A possible interference of ODQ and 7-NI on exploratory behavior was tested in an open field. The concentration of nitrites and nitrates (NO( x )) in striatum homogenates was measured by the Griess reaction. RESULTS Both NO-sGC and NOS inhibitors induced catalepsy in mice that lasted for at least 2 h. The range of effective doses of these drugs, however, was limited, and the dose-effect curves had an inverted U shape. The cataleptic effect induced by L: -NAME was inversely correlated with NO( x ) products in the striatum. The cataleptic effect of 7-NI and ODQ was prevented by pretreatment with L: -arginine. No drug changed exploratory behavior in the open field. CONCLUSION This study showed that pharmacological disruption of the endogenous NO-sGC signaling in the central nervous system induces long-lasting catalepsy in mice. Moreover, the cataleptic effect of NOS inhibition correlates with the decrease in NO( x ) products formation in the striatum. The results give further support to the hypothesis that NO plays a role in motor behavior control mediated, at least in part, by cyclic guanosine monophosphate production in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Echeverry
- Department MEF-Physiology, FORP, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Café S/No., 14040-904, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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26
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Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide reduces anxiety-like responses to pair housing. Behav Brain Res 2007; 187:109-15. [PMID: 17928072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2007] [Revised: 08/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Many psychological disorders are characterized by anxiety and alterations in social interactions. Recent studies demonstrate that the chemical messenger nitric oxide (NO) can regulate both anxiety and social behaviours. We tested whether an enzyme that produces NO in the brain, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), serves as an interface between social interactions and anxiety-like behaviour. Several investigators have observed that mice increase anxiety-like responses in the elevated plus-maze after pair housing. nNOS gene deletion and 3-Bromo-7-Nitroindazole were used to inhibit the production of neuronal NO. Similar to previous studies, pair housing reduced open arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze. Pair housing also increased corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) immunoreactive cells in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Inhibition of NO production increased open arm exploration in pair-housed mice but decreased open arm exploration in individually housed mice. These results suggest that the effect of nNOS inhibition on anxiety-like responses is context dependent and that behavioural responses to social housing are altered after nNOS inhibition. This research suggests that NO may play an important role in mediating the effect social interactions have on anxiety.
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27
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Joca SRL, Guimarães FS, Del-Bel E. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase increases synaptophysin mRNA expression in the hippocampal formation of rats. Neurosci Lett 2007; 421:72-6. [PMID: 17548163 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Revised: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 05/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Synaptophysin is a protein involved in the biogenesis of synaptic vesicles and budding. It has been used as an important tool to investigate plastic effects on synaptic transmission. Nitric oxide (NO) can influence plastic changes in specific brain regions related to cognition and emotion. Experimental evidence suggests that NO and synaptophysin are co-localized in several brain regions and that NO may change synaptophysin expression. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate if inhibition of NO formation would change synaptophysin mRNA expression in the hippocampal formation. Male Wistar rats received single or repeated (once a day for 4 days) i.p. injections of saline or l-nitro-arginine (l-NOARG, 40mg/kg), a non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Twenty-four hours after the last injection the animals were sacrificed and their brains removed for 'in situ' hybridization study using (35)S-labeled oligonucleotide probe complementary to synaptophysin mRNA. The results were analyzed by computerized densitometry. Acute administration of l-NOARG induced a significant (p<0.05, ANOVA) increase in synaptophysin mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus, CA1 and CA3. The effect disappeared after repeated drug administration. No change was found in the striatum, cingulated cortex, substantia nigra or nucleus accumbens. These results reinforce the proposal that nitric oxide is involved in plastic events in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sâmia R L Joca
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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28
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Wultsch T, Chourbaji S, Fritzen S, Kittel S, Grünblatt E, Gerlach M, Gutknecht L, Chizat F, Golfier G, Schmitt A, Gass P, Lesch KP, Reif A. Behavioural and expressional phenotyping of nitric oxide synthase-I knockdown animals. JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION. SUPPLEMENTUM 2007:69-85. [PMID: 17982880 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-211-73574-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The gaseous messenger nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in a wide range of behaviors, including aggression, anxiety, depression, and cognitive functioning. To further elucidate the physiological role of NO and its down-stream mechanisms, we conducted behavioral and expressional phenotyping of mice lacking the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS-I), the major source of NO in the central nervous system. No differences were observed in activity-related parameters; in contrast to the a priori hypothesis, derived from pharmacological treatments, depression-related tests (Forced Swim Test, Learned Helplessness) also yielded no significantly different results. A subtle anxiolytic phenotype however was present, with knockdown mice displaying a higher open arm time as compared to their respective wildtypes, yet all other investigated anxiety-related parameters were unchanged. The most prominent feature however was gender-independent cognitive impairment in spatial learning and memory, as assessed by the Water Maze test and an automatized holeboard paradigm. No significant dysregulation of monoamine transporters was evidenced by qRT PCR. To further examine the underlying molecular mechanisms, the transcriptome of knockdown animals was thus examined in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum by microarray analysis. A set of >120 differentially expressed genes was identified, whereat the hippocampus and the striatum showed similar expressional profiles as compared to the cerebellum in hierarchical clustering. Among the most significantly up-regulated genes were Peroxiredoxon 3, Atonal homologue 1, Kcnj1, Kcnj8, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), alpha, 3 genes involved in GABA(B) signalling and, intriguingly, the glucocorticoid receptor GR. While GABAergic genes might underlie reduced anxiety, dysregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor can well contribute to a blunted stress response as found in NOS1 knockdown mice. Furthermore, by CREB inhibition, glucocorticoid receptor upregulation could at least partially explain cognitive deficits in these animals. Taken together, NOS1 knockdown mice display a characteristic behavioural profile consisting of reduced anxiety and impaired learning and memory, paralleled by differential expression of the glucocorticoid receptor and GABAergic genes. Further research has to assess the value of these mice as animal models e.g. for Alzheimer's disease or attention deficit disorder, in order to clarify a possible pathophysiological role of NO therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wultsch
- Molecular and Clinical Psychobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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29
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Beijamini V, Guimarães FS. Activation of neurons containing the enzyme nitric oxide synthase following exposure to an elevated plus maze. Brain Res Bull 2006; 69:347-55. [PMID: 16624665 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Revised: 01/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The elevated plus-maze (EPM) is one of the most used animal models of anxiety. Exposure to the EPM activates brain regions related to anxiety/fear. Systemic or intra-dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) induces anxiolytic effect in animals submitted to an EPM. Additionally, exposure to an innate fear stimulus, such as a live predator, activates neurons containing NOS in regions related to defensive behavior. Considering these pieces of evidence, the present study investigated if neurons containing NOS localized in regions related to anxiety/fear are also activated after exposure to an EPM. Male Wistar rats were exposed to the EPM for 15 min and 2 h later their brains were removed and processed for c-Fos immunohistochemistry (a marker of neuronal functional activation) and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry (NADPH-d; used to detect the presence of NOS neurons). Exposure to the EPM significantly increased double-stained cells (c-Fos + NADPHd positive neurons) in the parvocellular paraventricular (pPVN) and lateral (LH) hypothalamic nuclei, dlPAG and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), but not in the amygdaloid complex, bed nucleus of stria terminallis, dorsal premammillary nucleus of hypothalamus and inferior colicullus. These results suggest that exposure to an EPM activates NOS containing neurons in brain areas related to fear/anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Beijamini
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
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30
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Miguel TT, Nunes-de-Souza RL. Defensive-like behaviors and antinociception induced by NMDA injection into the periaqueductal gray of mice depend on nitric oxide synthesis. Brain Res 2006; 1076:42-8. [PMID: 16476419 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2005] [Revised: 12/16/2005] [Accepted: 12/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate NMDA receptor activation within the periaqueductal gray (PAG) leads to antinociceptive, autonomic and behavioral responses characterized as the fear reaction. Considering that NMDA receptor triggers activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO), this study investigated the effects of intra-PAG infusions of NPLA (Nomega-propyl-L-arginine), an nNOS inhibitor, on behavioral and antinociceptive responses induced by local injection of NMDA receptor agonist in mice. The behaviors measured were frequency of jumping and rearing as well as duration (in seconds) of running and freezing. Nociception was assessed during the second phase of the formalin test (injection of 50 microl of formalin 2.5% into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw). Five to seven days after stereotaxic surgery for intracerebral cannula implantation, mice were injected with formalin into the paw, and 10 min later, they received intra-dPAG injection of NPLA (0, 0.2, or 0.4 nmol/0.1 microl). Ten minutes later, they were injected with NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate: 0 or 0.04 nmol/0.1 microl) into the same midbrain site and were immediately placed in glass holding cage for recording the defensive behavior and the time spent on licking the injected paw with formalin during a period of 10 min. Microinjections of NMDA significantly decreased nociception response and produced jumping, running, and freezing reactions. Intra-dPAG injections of NPLA (0.4 nmol) completely blocked the NMDA effects without affecting either behavioral or nociceptive responses in intra-dPAG saline-injected animals, except for the rearing frequency that was increased by the nNOS inhibitor. These results strongly suggest the involvement of NO within the PAG in the antinociceptive and defensive reactions induced by local glutamate NMDA receptor activation in this midbrain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarciso Tadeu Miguel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, UFSCar/Convênio UNESP, Rod. Araraquara-Jau, km 01, 14801-902, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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31
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Forestiero D, Manfrim CM, Guimarães FS, de Oliveira RMW. Anxiolytic-like effects induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors microinjected into the medial amygdala of rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 184:166-72. [PMID: 16362401 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The amygdaloid complex plays a central role in the neuroanatomical circuits that coordinate defensive responses. Nitric oxide (NO) has been involved in the neurochemical, hormonal, and behavioral changes related to stress and anxiety. A high density of NO-producing neurons is observed in the medial amygdala (MeA). These neurons are activated after exposure to threatening stimuli such as a live predator. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that microinjection into the MeA of two NO synthase inhibitors, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), would produce anxiolytic effects. METHODS Male Wistar rats (n=8-10/group) were submitted to stereotaxic surgery to implant bilateral stainless steel guide cannulae aimed at the MeA. Six days after the surgery, the animals received intra-MeA microinjections of the drugs or vehicle and, 10 min later, were submitted to the elevated plus-maze (EPM) or the light-dark transition procedures. RESULTS Both L-NAME (50-200 nmol) and 7-NI (5 and 10 nmol) increased open-arm exploration in the EPM without changing the number of enclosed arm entries, indicating an anxiolytic-like effect. The anxiolytic-like effect of L-NAME (200 nmol) was prevented by pretreatment with L-arginine (100 nmol). Injections of 7-NI or L-NAME outside the MeA did not produce any significant change in EPM exploration. When tested in the light-dark test, L-NAME (200 nmol) or 7-NI (10 nmol) increased the time when the animal remained in the light compartment of the light-dark box. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that inhibition of NO formation in the MeA produces anxiolytic-like effect in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Forestiero
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maringá, Av. Colombo 5790, 87020-900, Maringá, Parana, Brazil
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32
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Duman CH, Duman RS. Neurobiology and treatment of anxiety: signal transduction and neural plasticity. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2005:305-34. [PMID: 16594263 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-28082-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The stress-dependence and chronic nature of anxiety disorders along with the anxiolytic effectiveness of antidepressant drugs suggests that neuronal plasticity may play a role in the pathophysiology of anxiety. Intracellular signaling pathways are known in many systems to be critical links in the cascades from surface signals to the molecular alterations that result in functional plasticity. Chronic antidepressant treatments can regulate intracellular signaling pathways and can induce molecular, cellular, and structural changes over time. These changes may be important to the anxiolytic effectiveness of these drugs. In addition, the signaling proteins implicated in the actions of chronic antidepressant action, such as cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), have also been implicated in conditioned fear and in anxiety. The cellular mechanisms underlying conditioned fear indicate roles for additional signaling pathways; however, less is known about such mechanisms in anxiety. The challenge to identify intracellular signaling pathways and related molecular and structural changes that are critical to the etiology and treatment of anxiety will further establish the importance of mechanisms of neuronal plasticity in functional outcome and improve treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Duman
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, New Haven CT, 06508, USA
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33
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Del Bel EA, Guimarães FS, Bermúdez-Echeverry M, Gomes MZ, Schiaveto-de-souza A, Padovan-Neto FE, Tumas V, Barion-Cavalcanti AP, Lazzarini M, Nucci-da-Silva LP, de Paula-Souza D. Role of nitric oxide on motor behavior. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2005; 25:371-92. [PMID: 16047547 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-005-3065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The present review paper describes results indicating the influence of nitric oxide (NO) on motor control. Our last studies showed that systemic injections of low doses of inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS), the enzyme responsible for NO formation, induce anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus maze whereas higher doses decrease maze exploration. Also, NOS inhibitors decrease locomotion and rearing in an open field arena. These results may involve motor effects of this compounds, since inhibitors of NOS, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME), N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), and 7-Nitroindazole (7-NIO), induced catalepsy in mice. This effect was also found in rats after systemic, intracebroventricular or intrastriatal administration. Acute administration of L-NOARG has an additive cataleptic effect with haloperidol, a dopamine D2 antagonist. The catalepsy is also potentiated by WAY 100135 (5-HT1a receptor antagonist), ketanserin (5HT2a and alfal adrenergic receptor antagonist), and ritanserin (5-HT2a and 5HT2c receptor antagonist). Atropine sulfate and biperiden, antimuscarinic drugs, block L-NOARG-induced catalepsy in mice. L-NOARG subchronic administration in mice induces rapid tolerance (3 days) to its cataleptic effects. It also produces cross-tolerance to haloperidol-induced catalepsy. After subchronic L-NOARG treatment there is an increase in the density NADPH-d positive neurons in the dorsal part of nucleus caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, and tegmental pedunculupontinus nucleus. In contrast, this treatment decreases NADPH-d neuronal number in the substantia nigra compacta. Considering these results we suggest that (i) NO may modulate motor behavior, probably by interfering with dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission in the striatum; (ii) Subchronic NO synthesis inhibition induces plastic changes in NO-producing neurons in brain areas related to motor control and causes cross-tolerance to the cataleptic effect of haloperidol, raising the possibility that such treatments could decrease motor side effects associated with antipsychotic medications. Finally, recent studies using experimental Parkinson's disease models suggest an interaction between NO system and neurodegenerative processes in the nigrostriatal pathway. It provides evidence of a protective role of NO. Together, our results indicate that NO may be a key participant on physiological and pathophysiological processes in the nigrostriatal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Del Bel
- Department MEF Physiology, School of Odontology, Medical School, Campus USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Kaya B, Unal S, Karabulut AB, Türköz Y. Altered diurnal variation of nitric oxide production in patients with panic disorder. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2005; 204:147-54. [PMID: 15383695 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.204.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the diurnal change in serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in active and remission phases of patients with panic disorder. This study included 15 patients fulfilling the criteria for panic disorder of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders--Fourth Edition and 15 healthy controls matched for age and sex. All patients were receiving a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor at therapeutic doses. The serum nitrite and nitrate levels of subjects were determined at 10:00 a.m. after overnight fasting and at 3:00 p.m. 2 hours after lunch. NO levels of all patients measured in the morning were significantly higher than those of controls. The patients were also divided into active and remission groups according to clinical status and Panic Agoraphobia Scale's cut-off point. There were no statistically significant differences in serum nitrite and nitrate levels of the active group between the 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. measurements. In contrast, statistically significant differences were found in the serum levels of nitrite (p<0.05) and nitrate (p<0.05) in the remission group. Notably, the afternoon nitrite and nitrate levels of the remission group were higher than those of the morning levels as seen in control subjects. Thus, diurnal variation of NO production is altered in patients with panic disorder but is resumed in the remission phase. The present study suggests that serum NO levels are a good marker for evaluation of panic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burhanettin Kaya
- Department of Psychiatry, Inonu University Medical School, Malatya, Turkey
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Guimarães FS, Beijamini V, Moreira FA, Aguiar DC, de Lucca ACB. Role of nitric oxide in brain regions related to defensive reactions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2005; 29:1313-22. [PMID: 16095696 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2005.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2004] [Revised: 02/15/2005] [Accepted: 03/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) positive neurons are located in most brain areas related to defensive reactions, including the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey (dlPAG). NOS inhibitors injected into this structure induce anxiolytic-like responses whereas NO donors promote flight reactions. Intra-dlPAG administration of carboxy-PTIO, a NO scavenger, or ODQ, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, produced anxiolytic-like effects on rats exposed to the elevated plus-maze (EPM). A double-staining experiment using NADPHd histochemistry and c-Fos immunohistochemistry in rats exposed to a cat or to the EPM showed increased activation of NO producing neurons in the dlPAG, paraventricular and lateral nuclei of hypothalamus and dorsal raphe nucleus. Cat exposure also increased activation of NOS neurons in the medial amygdala, dorsal pre-mammillary nucleus and bed nucleus of stria terminalis. Local infusion into the dlPAG of a glutamate NMDA-receptor antagonist (AP7) or a benzodiazepine agonist (midazolam) completely prevented the flight reactions induced by intra-dlPAG administration of SIN-1, a NO donor. The responses were also inhibited by the 5-HT2A/C agonist DOI but not by a 5-HT1A agonist. These results suggest a modulatory role for NO on brain areas related to defensive reactions, probably by interacting with glutamate, serotonin and/or GABA-mediated neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil.
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Elfline GS, Branda EM, Babich M, Quock RM. Antagonism by NOS inhibition of the behavioral effects of benzodiazepine and GABAA receptor agonists in the mouse elevated plus-maze. Neuropsychopharmacology 2004; 29:1419-25. [PMID: 15136793 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Earlier we implicated nitric oxide (NO) in mediation of the behavioral effects of benzodiazepines. Since benzodiazepines work through facilitation of GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission, this study was designed to determine whether the direct-acting gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor agonist THIP (4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol) evokes behavioral effects similar to those of benzodiazepines and whether behavioral effects of THIP are also NO dependent. When challenged with either chlordiazepoxide or THIP in an elevated plus-maze paradigm, male NIH Swiss mice exhibited a dose-related increase in open-arm activity. The chlordiazepoxide-induced effects were sensitive to antagonism by a benzodiazepine antagonist, and the effects of THIP were blocked by a GABAA receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NG-nitro arginine antagonized the effects of both chlordiazepoxide and THIP; similar pretreatment with the D-isomer, D-NG-nitro arginine, which is inactive as an NOS inhibitor, was without effect on chlordiazepoxide and THIP. These findings indicate that chlordiazepoxide and THIP evoke similar behavioral effects in mice in the elevated plus-maze through actions on different parts of the GABAA receptor, and that NO appears to play a key role in mediation of the behavioral effects of both chlordiazepoxide and THIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine S Elfline
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, Illinois, USA
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Li S, Chung E, Quock RM. Role of cyclic GMP in nitrous-oxide-induced anxiolytic-like behavior in the mouse light-dark exploration test. Behav Neurosci 2004; 118:648-52. [PMID: 15174944 DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.118.3.648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the anxiolytic-like behavioral effects of nitrous oxide (N2O). This study was conducted to determine whether NO activates a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the behavioral response to N2O in the light-dark exploration test. In mice pretreated with an sGC inhibitor, the increased light-compartment activity normally induced by N2O was significantly attenuated. Pretreatment with a cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor antagonized the anxiogenic effect of 15% N2O and enhanced the anxiolytic effect of 25% N2O, implying that cGMP reduces anxiety. These preliminary findings suggest that a signaling pathway involving NO and cGMP may mediate the behavioral effects of N2O.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6534, USA
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Echeverry MB, Guimarães FS, Del Bel EA. Acute and delayed restraint stress-induced changes in nitric oxide producing neurons in limbic regions. Neuroscience 2004; 125:981-93. [PMID: 15120858 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2003.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2003] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Microinjection into the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, induces antinociceptive effect 5 days after a single restraint episode. The mechanisms of this stress-antinociceptive modulatory effect have not been investigated but may involve plastic changes in the hippocampal formation (HF). OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to investigate possible mechanisms of the stress-modulating effect on antinociception induced by NOS inhibition in the hippocampus. We analyzed the effects of restraint stress on neuronal NOS (nNOS) expression and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase histochemical activity (NADPH-d) in the HF and related brain regions. METHODS Male Wistar rats (n=6-11/group) were submitted to a single (acute stress) or repeated (5 days) episodes of 2-h restraint. Control animals remained in their home cages being all animals daily handled during this period. In the fifth day, animals received unilateral microinjection of l-NAME (150 nmol/0.2 microl) or saline (control) into the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus (DG). Immediately before and after drug microinjection tail-flick reflex latency or hotplate licking reaction was measured. Animals were killed i. immediately; ii. 5 days after acute stress; or iii. after repeated stress. NADPH-d and nNOS expression were quantified in the HF, caudate-putamen, secondary somatosensorial, entorhinal and piriform cortices and amygdaloid complex. RESULTS Five days after one or five restraint episodes l-NAME microinjection into the DG elicited antinociceptive effect (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P<0.05). Acute restraint stress induced a significant increase in the density of neurons expressing NADPH-d and nNOS in the amygdaloid nuclei. nNOS expression increased also in the DG and piriform cortex. Five days after a single or repeated restraint stress there was an additional increase in NADPH-d- and nNOS-positive neurons in CA1, CA3, and entorhinal cortex. No changes were seen in non-limbic regions such as the caudate-putamen and secondary somatosensorial cortex. CONCLUSION The results confirm that the dorsal hippocampus participates in the modulation of stress consequences. They also show that a single stress episode causes acute changes in nitric oxide system in the amygdala complex and delayed modifications in the HF. The delayed (5 days) antinociceptive effect of NOS inhibition in the HF after a single restraint episode suggests that those latter modifications may have functional consequences. It remains to be tested if the acute amygdala and delayed hippocampal changes are causally related.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Echeverry
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Campus USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Czech DA, Jacobson EB, LeSueur-Reed KT, Kazel MR. Putative anxiety-linked effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in three murine exploratory behavior models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003; 75:741-8. [PMID: 12957214 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(03)00149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to extend investigation into possible linkage between nitric oxide (NO) and anxiety-linked behavior using a battery of tests. Effects of the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were investigated in three murine models of anxiety-the light-dark, hole-board and elevated plus-maze-in between-groups designs. Treatment groups included L-NAME (0 [vehicle, or Veh], 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg of the inactive isomer N(G)-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME) injected subcutaneously. Mice exhibited a robust anxiogenic-like response profile reflected by dose-related decreases in both light-dark (transitions and time in lighted area) and hole-board (head dips and time spent head dipping) test measures, reaching statistical significance at 25 and 50 mg/kg L-NAME when compared to Veh controls (P<.05 or.01; Dunnett's t test), while distance traveled and rearing showed no significant differential pattern in either model. In both models, there was a strong dissociation between nonspecific locomotion and putative exploratory behaviors. D-NAME was not significantly different from Veh condition in either model, indicating a stereospecific action and supporting NO involvement. A dose-related decrease was also observed for several traditional and ethological measures in the plus-maze; however, the effect was limited and relatively weak or absent; with the exception of open-arm and percent open-arm entries, putative anxiety-sensitive measures reached statistical significance only at the highest dose. Reductions in motor activity compromised ability to dissociate an anxiety linkage from a nonspecific motor effect in most measures. It is concluded that the hole-board and light-dark tests provide indication of anxiogenic-like action of NOS inhibition, suggesting that NO has an anxiolytic action. Data from the plus-maze are unclear, owing to a confounding motor influence in most measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A Czech
- Biopsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA.
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Li S, Ohgami Y, Dai Y, Quock RM. Antagonism of nitrous oxide-induced anxiolytic-like behavior in the mouse light/dark exploration procedure by pharmacologic disruption of endogenous nitric oxide function. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2003; 166:366-72. [PMID: 12589527 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-002-1363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2002] [Accepted: 11/15/2002] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies have shown the anxiolytic-like effects of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) to be sensitive to antagonism by non-specific inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). OBJECTIVES The present study was conducted to demonstrate further the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and ascertain whether a specific isoform of NOS is involved in N(2)O-induced behavior in mice. METHODS Male NIH Swiss mice were tested in the light/dark exploration test to determine how N(2)O-induced behavior was affected by the following pretreatments: the NO scavenger hemoglobin (Hb); the selective nNOS-inhibitor S-methyl- l-thiocitrulline (SMTC); the selective eNOS-inhibitor N(5)-(1-iminoethyl)- l-ornithine ( l-NIO); and the selective iNOS-inhibitor 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-6-methyl-4H-1,3-thiazine (AMT). Furthermore, NOS activity was assessed in the whole brain as well as five brain areas of N(2)O- versus room air-exposed mice to determine the effects of N(2)O on NOS activity. RESULTS The behavioral effects of N(2)O in the light/dark exploration test were significantly attenuated following pretreatment with Hb (2.0 nmol, i.c.v.), SMTC (0.3 micro g and 1.0 micro g per mouse, i.c.v.) and the higher dose of l-NIO (30 mg/kg, s.c.). However, the N(2)O-induced behavioral effect was unaltered by pretreatment with either the lower dose of l-NIO (10 mg/kg, s.c.) or AMT (1.0 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Finally exposure to 50% N(2)O for 15 min significantly increased NOS activity in the cerebellum and corpus striatum but not in other brain regions or whole brain. CONCLUSION These findings provide further support for the hypothesis that NO is involved in N(2)O-induced anxiolytic-like behavior and that this NO is the product of nNOS enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, PO Box 646534, Pullman, WA 99164-6534, USA
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Volke V, Wegener G, Bourin M, Vasar E. Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of selective neuronal NOS inhibitor 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-imidazole in mice. Behav Brain Res 2003; 140:141-7. [PMID: 12644287 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(02)00312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Various inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have been shown to possess antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like properties in animal models. The aim of this study was to compare the behavioural effects of NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) with the more selective neuronal NOS inhibitor 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazole (TRIM) in animal models predictive of antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activity in order to clarify the role of distinct isoforms of NOS in the regulation of depression and anxiety. Both TRIM (50 mg/kg) and 7-NI (50 mg/kg) decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test. The magnitude of the effect was comparable to that of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (15 mg/kg). The antidepressant-like effect of TRIM was counteracted by pretreatment with L-arginine (250 mg/kg). The systemic administration of TRIM (50 mg/kg), but not 7-NI (up to 50 mg/kg) increased the time spent in the light side of the apparatus in the light-dark compartment test. The anxiolytic-like effect of TRIM was antagonised by pretreatment with L-arginine. Both TRIM and 7-NI decreased the locomotion of animals in the open field and caused motor incoordination on rotarod. These motor side effects were more pronounced in the case of 7-NI and were not diminished by pretreatment with L-arginine. We conclude that neuronal NOS seems to play the key role in the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of NOS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vallo Volke
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, Estonia.
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Kittner H, Franke H, Fischer W, Schultheis N, Krügel U, Illes P. Stimulation of P2Y1 receptors causes anxiolytic-like effects in the rat elevated plus-maze: implications for the involvement of P2Y1 receptor-mediated nitric oxide production. Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 28:435-44. [PMID: 12629523 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The widespread and abundant distribution of P2Y receptors in the mammalian brain suggests important functions for these receptors in the CNS. To study a possible involvement of the P2Y receptors in the regulation of fear and anxiety, the influences of the P2Y(1,11,12) receptor-specific agonist adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADPbetaS), the P2X(1,3) receptor agonist alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,betameATP), the unspecific P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azopheny l-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), and the specific P2Y(1) receptor antagonist N(6)-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine-3',5'-bisphosphate (MRS 2179) on the elevated plus-maze behavior of the rat were investigated. All tested compounds were given intracerebroventricularly (0.5 microl). ADPbetaS (50 and 500 fmol) produced an anxiolytic-like behavioral profile reflected by an increase of the open arm exploration. The anxiolytic-like effects were antagonized by pretreatment with PPADS (5 pmol) or MRS 2179 (5 pmol). Both compounds caused anxiogenic-like effects when given alone. Furthermore, the anxiolytic-like effects of ADPbetaS could be antagonized by pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(w)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In addition, the anxiogenic-like effects of PPADS were reversed by the pretreatment with L-arginine (500 pmol), which is the natural substrate for NOS, but not by D-arginine (500 pmol), which is not. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the presence of P2Y(1) receptors on neurons in different brain regions such as hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus and the periaqueductal gray. Furthermore, the colocalization of P2Y(1) receptors and neuronal NOS (nNOS) on some neurons in these regions could be demonstrated. The highest density of P2Y(1)- and nNOS-immunoreactivity was detected in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Taken together, the present results suggest that P2Y(1) receptors are involved in the modulation of anxiety in the rat. The anxiolytic-like effects after stimulation of P2Y(1) receptors seem to be in close connection with the related nitric oxide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Kittner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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Masood A, Banerjee B, Vijayan VK, Ray A. Modulation of stress-induced neurobehavioral changes by nitric oxide in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 458:135-9. [PMID: 12498917 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in stress-induced neurobehavioral changes in rats was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and open field tests. Restraint stress (1 h) reduced both the number of entries and time spent in open arms, with both expressed as percent of controls (no restraint stress), and these changes were reversed with diazepam (1 mg/kg) and the NO precursor, L-arginine (500 and 1000 mg/kg) pretreatment. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (50 mg/kg), aggravated restraint stress effects in the elevated plus maze test, whereas the lower dose (10 mg/kg) of the drug attenuated the same. In the open field test, the restraint stress-induced (a) increased entry latency and (b) decreased ambulation and rearing were reversed by diazepam and L-arginine and L-NAME (10 mg/kg), whereas L-NAME (50 mg/kg) aggravated restraint stress effects. The neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (10 and 50 mg/kg), did not influence these restraint stress-induced behavioral changes to any significant extent. Biochemical data showed that L-NAME (10 and 50 mg/kg.) induced opposite effects on the total brain nitrate/nitrite content during restraint stress. The results indicate a possible involvement of NO in stress-induced neurobehavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbrin Masood
- Department of Pharmacology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, -110007, Delhi, India
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Li S, Quock RM. Effects of a nitric oxide donor on behavior and interaction with nitrous oxide in the mouse light/dark exploration test. Eur J Pharmacol 2002; 447:75-8. [PMID: 12106805 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)01891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is controversy whether endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is involved in anxiogenesis or anxiolysis. This study was conducted to determine the influence of the NO donor, 3-morpholinosyndnonimine (SIN-1), on resting and nitrous oxide (N(2)O)-induced behaviors in the mouse light/dark exploration test. I.c.v. doses of 0.3 and 1.0 microg SIN-1 both increased the time spent in the light compartment. When pretreated with 0.1 microg SIN-1, mice responded to N(2)O with an apparent additive increase in the time spent in the light compartment. These findings further support a functional role of NO in regulation of anxiety and mediation of N(2)O-induced behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Graduate Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646534, 99164-6534, Pullman, WA, USA
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Pokk P, Väli M. Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors 7-NI, L-NAME, and L-NOARG in staircase test. Arch Med Res 2002; 33:265-8. [PMID: 12031632 DOI: 10.1016/s0188-4409(02)00365-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on the behavior of mice in the staircase test. METHODS NOS inhibitors 7-NI (20-120 mg/kg), L-NOARG (20 and 40 mg/kg), and L-NAME (20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30 min prior to the staircase test. Staircase test consisted of placing a mouse in an enclosed staircase with five steps and recording the number of rearings made and the number of steps climbed during a 3-min period. RESULTS 7-NI and L-NOARG did not have a significant effect on the behavior of mice in the staircase test. L-NAME caused a decrease in the number of rearings without changes in the number of steps taken. CONCLUSIONS NOS inhibitor L-NAME but not 7-NI or L-NAME induced an anxiolytic effect in the staircase test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paavo Pokk
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia.
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Uzbay IT, Lal H. Effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 7-nitro indazole, and agmatine on pentylenetetrazol-induced discriminative stimulus in Long-Evans rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2002; 26:567-73. [PMID: 11999909 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(01)00309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine any role that nitric oxide (NO) may play in the discriminative stimuli produced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). The PTZ-induced discriminative stimulus is pharmacologically similar to anxiety in humans and is used in a behavioral assay of anxiety (the PTZ model of anxiety). In the present study, effects of L-N(G)-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) and agmatine, NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors, on PTZ-induced discriminative stimulus were investigated in male Long-Evans rats (330-350 g). Rats were trained to discriminate PTZ (16 mg/kg) from saline using a two-lever, food-reinforced choice procedure (FR 10). The rats that met the training criteria were injected with L-NAME (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg), 7-NI (15 and 30 mg/kg), agmatine (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg), and saline or vehicle intraperitoneally before each test. They were tested for the PTZ-discrimination to determine if the NOS inhibitors produce discriminative stimulus similar to PTZ or if they block PTZ-induced discrimination. Treatment with the NOS inhibitory drugs neither substituted for PTZ nor altered the PTZ lever selection in any other way. These findings suggest that PTZ-induced discriminative stimulus may not be related to NO-mediated central mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tayfun Uzbay
- Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Medical Pharmacology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
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Dere E, Frisch C, De Souza Silva MA, Gödecke A, Schrader J, Huston JP. Unaltered radial maze performance and brain acetylcholine of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mouse. Neuroscience 2002; 107:561-70. [PMID: 11720780 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(01)00382-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Proceeding from previous findings of a beneficial effect of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene inactivation on negatively reinforced water maze performance, we asked whether this improvement in place learning capacities also holds for a positively reinforced radial maze task. Unlike its beneficial effects on the water maze task, eNOS gene inactivation did not facilitate radial maze performance. The acquisition performance over the days of place learning did not differ between eNOS knockout (eNOS-/-) and wild-type mice (eNOS+/+). eNOS-/- mice displayed a slight and eNOS+/+ mice a more severe working memory deficit in the place learning version of the radial maze compared to the genetic background C57BL/6 strain. Possible differential effects of eNOS inactivation, related to differences in reinforcement contingencies between the Morris water maze and radial maze tasks, behavioral strategy requirements, or to different emotional and physiological concomitants inherent in the two tasks are discussed. These task-unique characteristics might be differentially affected by the reported anxiogenic and hypertensional effects of eNOS gene inactivation. Post-mortem determination of acetylcholine concentrations in diverse brain structures revealed that acetylcholine and choline contents were not different between eNOS-/- and eNOS+/+ mice, but were increased in eNOS+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 mice in the frontal cortex. Our findings demonstrate that phenotyping of learning and memory capacities should not rely on one learning task only, but should include tasks employing both negative and positive reinforcement contingencies in order to allow valid statements regarding differences in learning capacities between rodent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dere
- Institute of Physiological Psychology, Center for Biological and Medical Research, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
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Pokk P, Väli M. The effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on the behaviour of small-platform-stressed mice in the plus-maze test. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2002; 26:241-7. [PMID: 11817500 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(01)00261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Effects of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on the behaviour of control and small-platform (SP)-stressed mice in the plus-maze test were studied. SP stress was induced by placing mice on SPs (3.5 cm diameter) surrounded by water for 24 h. This model contains several factors of stress like rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation, isolation, immobilization and falling into the water. The plus-maze test was carried out with control and SP-stressed mice. SP stress induced an anxiolytic-like effect that was evidenced by increased percentage of time spent on the open arms of the plus-maze. The administration of NOS inhibitors 7-NI (20.0-120.0 mg/kg) and L-NOARG (20.0 and 40.0 mg/kg) induced an anxiolytic effect and the administration of L-NAME (20.0 and 40.0 mg/kg)--an anxiogenic effect in control mice. In SP-stressed mice, the effects of NOS inhibitors were changed. Contrary to control mice, 7-NI at a dose of 20.0 mg/kg induced an anxiogenic effect in SP-stressed mice and other doses of 7-NI, with exception of 80.0 mg/kg, as well as L-NOARG and L-NAME were without any effect. On the basis of these data, we can propose that SP stress induced changes in the function of L-arginine-NOS-NO pathways. It is also proposed that the behavioural effects of NOS inhibitors can be changed in stressed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paavo Pokk
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia.
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De Oliveira RM, Del Bel EA, Guimarães FS. Effects of excitatory amino acids and nitric oxide on flight behavior elicited from the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2001; 25:679-85. [PMID: 11801293 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-7634(01)00050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Microinjection of excitatory amino acids (EAA) into the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dlPAG) induces flight reactions while EAA antagonists show anxiolytic effects. Part of the effects mediated by NMDA receptors may involve an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. We showed that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors injected into the dlPAG induced anxiolytic effects. Conversely, SIN-1, a NO donor, produced orientated flight reactions that resemble stimulation of the medial hypothalamus. This compound also produced extensive Fos-like immunoreactivity in this region and in other areas related to defensive reactions such as the medial amygdala and cingulate cortex. Since part of the effects of NO involves increases in guanylate cyclase levels, we found that intra-dlPAG injection of 8-Br-cGMP induced a brief flight reaction followed by increased locomotion. In another experiment, we showed that single or repeated restraint stress produced an increased expression of neuronal NOS in the dlPAG and other areas related to defense, as measured by in situ hybridization, diaphorase histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Together, these data suggest that NO may participate in the modulation of defensive responses in the dlPAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M De Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, FMRP, Campus USP, 14049-900, SP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Monzón ME, Varas MM, De Barioglio SR. Anxiogenesis induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibition and anxiolytic effect of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in rat brain. Peptides 2001; 22:1043-7. [PMID: 11445232 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-9781(01)00439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the mechanism of anxiety was investigated. The rats received an intraamygdaline or intrahippocampal injection of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (L-NOARG), and were then tested in the plus-maze test. L-NOARG induced a decrease in the time spent by rats in the open arms. Conversely, the administration of the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) into these structures increased the number of entries into the open arms as well as the time spent on them. MCH injected in rats pretreated with L-NOARG also was able to revert the anxiogenic effects of L-NOARG in amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Monzón
- Laboratorio de Fisiología, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), 5000 Córdoba, Argentina.
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