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Konrath EL, Arbo MD, Arbo BD, Hort MA, Elisabetsky E, Leal MB. Plants with Anti-Addictive Potential. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1308:185-215. [PMID: 33861445 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-64872-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction is prevalent among individuals of modern society, being a major cause of disability and premature loss of life. Although the drug addiction have profound social, economical and health impact in the world population, its management remains a challenge as available pharmacological treatments remains ineffective for most people. The limited efficacy and adverse effects have led to a search for alternative therapies to treat drug addiction. In this context, natural products are an important source for new chemical substances with a potential therapeutic applicability. Therefore, this chapter will present data obtained after an extensive literature search regarding the use of medicinal plants as a pharmacological alternative for drug addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luis Konrath
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dutra Arbo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dutra Arbo
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mariana Appel Hort
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Elaine Elisabetsky
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mirna Bainy Leal
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Antimania-Like Effect of Panax ginseng Regulating the Glutamatergic Neurotransmission in REM-Sleep Deprivation Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3636874. [PMID: 33123570 PMCID: PMC7586145 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3636874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown the therapeutic properties of ginseng and ginsenosides on hyperactive and impulsive behaviors in several psychiatric diseases. Herein, we investigated the effect of Panax ginseng Meyer (PG) on hyperactive/impulsive behaviors in a manic-like animal model, sleep deprivation (SD) rats. Male rats were sleep-deprived for 48 h, and PG (200 mg/kg) was administered for 4 days, from 2 days prior to the start of SD to the end date of SD. The elevated plus maze (EPM) test showed that PG alleviated the increased frequency of entries into and spent time within open arms by SD. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism on this effect of PG, we assessed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the prefrontal cortex of PG-treated SD rats using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and performed gene-enrichment analysis for DEGs. The gene-enrichment analysis showed that PG most prominently affected the glutamatergic synapse pathway. Among the glutamatergic synapse pathway genes, particularly, PG enhanced the expressions of glutamate transporter Slc1a3 and Slc1a2 reduced in SD rats. Moreover, we found that PG could inhibit the SD-induced phosphorylation of the NR2A subunit of the NMDA receptor. These results suggested that PG might have a therapeutic effect against the manic-like behaviors, regulating the glutamatergic neurotransmission.
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Gu SM, Cha HJ, Seo SW, Hong JT, Yun J. Dopamine D1 receptor antagonist reduces stimulant-induced conditioned place preferences and dopamine receptor supersensitivity. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 393:131-138. [PMID: 31372696 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01694-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Repeated administration of stimulants induces conditioned place preference (CPP). Dopamine receptor supersensitivity is developed in stimulant-induced CPP animals; however, dopamine receptor subtypes associated with the development of supersensitivity in CPP animals are largely unknown. The present preclinical study aimed to examine whether dopamine D1 or D2 receptor antagonists exert inhibitory effects on stimulant-induced psychological behaviors. Additionally, the authors aimed to elucidate the role of dopamine receptor supersensitivity on the development of reward-related behavior. Sprague Dawley rats subjected to methamphetamine- and cocaine-induced CPP tests were treated with dopamine D1 (SCH23390) or D2 (sulpiride) receptor antagonists. Following the CPP experiment, rats were challenged with apomorphine (dopamine receptor agonist), and locomotor activity was measured. Methamphetamine- and cocaine-induced CPP was reduced with the administration of SCH23390, but not sulpiride. In addition, the apomorphine challenge evoked an increase in locomotor activity in stimulant-pre-treated rats, reflecting dopamine receptor supersensitivity. SCH23390 pre-treatment inhibited the development of dopamine receptor supersensitivity, while sulpiride demonstrated no inhibitory effects. These results suggest that the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 inhibits the development of dopamine receptor supersensitivity which is associated with the development of CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Mi Gu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Cha
- National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, 187, Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - So Woon Seo
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28160, Republic of Korea.
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Nicotine behavioral pharmacology: clues from planarians. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 118:274-9. [PMID: 21530106 PMCID: PMC3163013 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotine is one of the world's most addictive substances and the primary reason that humans inhale tobacco smoke. The pharmacological effects of nicotine can be investigated in planarians, aquatic flatworms that possess an integrated neural network including cephalic ganglia that some consider the earliest 'brain' and spinal cord. Here, we tested the hypothesis that nicotine exposure elicits mammalian-like behaviors in planarians. METHODS Planarian motility and stereotypy (C-shape hyperkinesias) were quantified following acute nicotine exposure. During repeated nicotine exposure, we investigated the presence of withdrawal, tolerance, behavioral sensitization, and environmental place conditioning. RESULTS Acute nicotine exposure increased stereotypical activity and elicited biphasic effects on motility. A low concentration (0.01 mM) increased motility whereas higher concentrations (0.3-10mM) elicited the opposite effect. Planarians exposed to nicotine (0.03 mM) for 60 min and then tested in water displayed reduced motility that was not observed during exposure to water, acute nicotine, or continuous nicotine. Nicotine-treated planarians withdrawn from the drug for 3 days before being challenged with nicotine displayed behavioral sensitization at low concentrations (0.1, 0.3mM) but tolerance at higher concentrations (1, 3mM). Planarians conditioned with nicotine in the ambient light (non-preferred environment) displayed a reduction in their natural preference for a dark environment. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest nicotine elicits mammalian-like effects in planarians, including decreased motility and increased stereotypy following acute administration and abstinence-induced withdrawal, behavioral sensitization, tolerance, and place conditioning during repeated exposure.
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Reckziegel P, Boufleur N, Barcelos RCS, Benvegnú DM, Pase CS, Muller LG, Teixeira AM, Zanella R, Prado ACP, Fett R, Block JM, Burger ME. Oxidative stress and anxiety-like symptoms related to withdrawal of passive cigarette smoke in mice: beneficial effects of pecan nut shells extract, a by-product of the nut industry. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2011; 74:1770-8. [PMID: 21531023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2011.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the role of pecan nut (Carya illinoensis) shells aqueous extract (AE) against oxidative damage induced by cigarette smoke exposure (CSE) and behavioral parameters of smoking withdrawal. Mice were passively exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 weeks (6, 10, and 14 cigarettes/day) and orally treated with AE (25 g/L). CSE induced lipid peroxidation in brain and red blood cells (RBC), increased catalase (CAT) activity in RBC, and decreased plasma ascorbic acid levels. AE prevented oxidative damage and increased antioxidant defenses of mice exposed to cigarette smoke. In addition, AE reduced the locomotor activity and anxiety symptoms induced by smoking withdrawal, and these behavioral parameters showed a positive correlation with RBC lipid peroxidation. Our results showed the beneficial effects of this by-product of the pecan industry, indicating its usefulness in smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Reckziegel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS, 97105-900, Brazil
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Lobina C, Carai MAM, Froestl W, Mugnaini C, Pasquini S, Corelli F, Gessa GL, Colombo G. Activation of the GABA(B) Receptor Prevents Nicotine-Induced Locomotor Stimulation in Mice. Front Psychiatry 2011; 2:76. [PMID: 22232609 PMCID: PMC3248647 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that activation of the GABA(B) receptor, either by means of orthosteric agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), inhibited different nicotine-related behaviors, including intravenous self-administration and conditioned place preference, in rodents. The present study investigated whether the anti-nicotine effects of the GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen, and GABA(B) PAMs, CGP7930, and GS39783, extend to nicotine stimulant effects. To this end, CD1 mice were initially treated with baclofen (0, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), CGP7930 (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.g.), or GS39783 (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.g.), then treated with nicotine (0 and 0.05 mg/kg, s.c.), and finally exposed to an automated apparatus for recording of locomotor activity. Pretreatment with doses of baclofen, CGP7930, or GS39783 that did not alter locomotor activity when given with nicotine vehicle fully prevented hyperlocomotion induced by 0.05 mg/kg nicotine. These data extend to nicotine stimulant effects the capacity of baclofen and GABA(B) PAMs to block the reinforcing, motivational, and rewarding properties of nicotine. These data strengthen the hypothesis that activation of the GABA(B) receptor may represent a potentially useful, anti-smoking therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lobina
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
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Sakoori K, Murphy NP. Enhanced nicotine sensitivity in nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor knockout mice. Neuropharmacology 2009; 56:896-904. [PMID: 19371589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The opioid peptide nociceptin (orphanin FQ) has been implicated in reward, reinforcement and addiction. The current study sought evidence of a role of endogenous nociceptin in nicotine responses by studying nociceptin receptor (NOP) knockout mice. The results were: (1) NOP receptor knockout mice showed enhanced anxiety-like behavior on an elevated plus maze. Whereas nicotine (0.05-0.5 mg/kg) tended to be anxiogenic in wild-type mice, NOP receptor KO mice were resistant to this effect, though interpretation was confounded by their stronger anxiety-like behavior. (2) When presented increasing nicotine concentrations (3-50 microg/ml) in a bottle choice drinking paradigm, there were no genotype-dependent differences in nicotine preference. However, NOP receptor knockout mice consumed more 3 microg/ml nicotine solution when considered in absolute terms. (3) NOP receptor knockout mice showed stronger hypothermic responses to nicotine (1 or 2 mg/kg) administration. (4) There was modest evidence that NOP receptor KO mice showed attenuated behavioral sensitization to a low dose of nicotine (0.05 mg/kg) during repeated daily treatment. (5) NOP receptor knockout mice more rapidly tolerated the sedative effect of nicotine (1 mg/kg), due partially to slightly lower locomotion on first treatment. (6) NOP receptor knockout mice, unlike wild-type mice, showed a significant mecamylamine (2.5 mg/kg) induced conditioned place aversion to nicotine (24 mg/kg/day) withdrawal. These results show that mice lacking the influence of endogenous N/OFQ mice are hypersensitive to nicotine in most measures, showing a role of endogenous nociceptin in modulating or mediating the acute effects of nicotine, and possibly nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Sakoori
- Molecular Neuropathology Group, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wakoshi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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Lee B, Yang CH, Hahm DH, Lee HJ, Han SM, Kim KS, Shim I. Inhibitory Effects of Ginseng Total Saponins on Behavioral Sensitization and Dopamine Release Induced by Cocaine. Biol Pharm Bull 2008; 31:436-41. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.31.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BomBi Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, Division of Neuroscience, Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University
| | - Dae-Hyun Hahm
- Acupuncture and Meridianology Scientific Research Center, Kyung Hee University
| | - Hye-Jung Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridianology Scientific Research Center, Kyung Hee University
| | - Seung-Moo Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University
| | - Kyung-Soo Kim
- Department of Integrative Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Insop Shim
- Department of Integrative Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
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Kim SE, Shim I, Chung JK, Lee MC. Effect of ginseng saponins on enhanced dopaminergic transmission and locomotor hyperactivity induced by nicotine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31:1714-21. [PMID: 16251992 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that behavioral hyperactivity induced by psychomotor stimulants is prevented by ginseng saponins. In an attempt to investigate whether the effect of ginseng saponins is through their inhibitory action on the enhanced dopaminergic transmission by psychomotor stimulants, we examined the effects of ginseng total saponin (GTS) presynaptically on nicotine-induced dopamine (DA) release in the striatum of freely moving rats using in vivo microdialysis technique and postsynaptically on the in vitro and in vivo binding of [3H]raclopride to DA D2 receptors. Also, we examined the effects of GTS on nicotine-induced locomotor hyperactivity and on nicotine-induced Fos protein expression in the nucleus accumbens and striatum. Systemic pretreatment with GTS (100 and 400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of locomotor hyperactivity induced by nicotine. GTS decreased nicotine-induced DA release in the striatum in a dose-dependent manner. However, GTS had no effects on resting levels of locomotor activity and extracellular DA in the striatum. GTS inhibited the in vitro binding of [3H]raclopride to rat striatal membranes with an IC50 of 5.14+/-1.09 microM. High doses of GTS (400 and 800 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in decreases in the in vivo binding of [3H]raclopride in the striatum. GTS decreased nicotine-induced Fos protein expression in the nucleus accumbens and striatum, reflecting the inhibition by GTS of nicotine-induced enhancement of dopaminergic transmission. The results of the present study suggest that GTS acts not only on dopaminergic neurons directly or indirectly to prevent nicotine-induced DA release but also postsynaptically by binding to DA D2 receptors. This may explain the blocking effect of GTS on behavioral activation induced by nicotine and conceivably by other psychostimulants. Our data raise the possibility that GTS, by attenuating nicotine-induced enhancement of dopaminergic transmission, may prove to be a useful therapeutic agent for nicotine addiction and warrant further investigation on its effect on nicotine's rewarding property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Eun Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Shin EJ, Nabeshima T, Suh HW, Jhoo WK, Oh KW, Lim YK, Kim DS, Choi KH, Kim HC. Ginsenosides attenuate methamphetamine-induced behavioral side effects in mice via activation of adenosine A2A receptors: possible involvements of the striatal reduction in AP-1 DNA binding activity and proenkephalin gene expression. Behav Brain Res 2005; 158:143-57. [PMID: 15680202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2004.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2004] [Revised: 08/19/2004] [Accepted: 08/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that ginsenosides inhibit methamphetamine (MA)-induced changes in behavior, but the precise mechanisms that underlie this effect are yet to be determined. We examined the role of adenosine receptors in the ginsenoside-induced changes in hyperlocomotion and conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice that occurred in response to administration of MA (2 mg/kg, i.p. x 1 or 2 mg/kg, i.p. x 6). Changes in circling behavior paralleled changes in CPP in the presence of MA. Pre-treatment with ginsenosides (50 or 150 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the MA-induced circling behavior and CPP. This attenuation was reversed by the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist 1,3,7-trimethyl-8-(3-chrostyryl)xanthine (CSC; 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner, but neither the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT; 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) nor the A2B receptor antagonist alloxazine (ALX; 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg) had any such effect. MA-induced increases in activator protein (AP)-1 DNA binding activity, Fos-related antigen immunoreactivity (FRA-IR), proenkephalin mRNA expression, and proenkephalin-like immunoreactivity were reduced consistently in the striatum of animals that were pretreated with ginsenosides. These reductions were largely prevented by CSC, but not by CPT or ALX. Our results suggest that the stimulation of A2A receptors by ginsenosides attenuates the changes in behavior and the increases in AP-1 DNA binding activity, FRA-IR, and proenkephalin gene expression in mouse striatum that are induced by MA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Joo Shin
- Neurotoxicology Program, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Korea Institute of Drug Abuse, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 200-701, Republic of Korea
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Sparg SG, Light ME, van Staden J. Biological activities and distribution of plant saponins. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 94:219-43. [PMID: 15325725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 704] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2004] [Revised: 05/28/2004] [Accepted: 05/29/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plant saponins are widely distributed amongst plants and have a wide range of biological properties. The more recent investigations and findings into their biological activities were summarized. Isolation studies of saponins were examined to determine which are the more commonly studied plant families and in which families saponins have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Sparg
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
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Nah SY, Oh S. Modulation of G protein alpha-subunit mRNA levels in discrete rat brain regions by cerebroventricular infusion of ginsenoside Rc and Rg1. Neurochem Res 2003; 28:691-7. [PMID: 12716018 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022801515017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the effects of centrally administered ginsenoside Rc and Rg1 on the modulation of G protein expression in the central nervous system in rat brain. The effects of continuous infusion of ginsenosides on the modulation of G protein alpha-subunit mRNA were investigated by using in situ hybridization study. Rats were infused with ginsenoside Rc or Rg1 (10 microg/10 microl/h, i.c.v.) for 7 days, through preimplanted cannula by osmotic minipumps. The level of Gas mRNA was not changed by the infusion of ginsenoside Rc or Rg1. The level of Galphai mRNA was significantly elevated in frontal cortex and hippocampus following treatment with ginsenoside Rc as well as ginsenoside Rg1. However, the level of Galphao mRNA was significantly decreased in part of the hippocampus and cerebellum after the animals had received ginsenoside Rg1 infusion. These results suggest that prolonged infusion of ginsenosides could differentially modulate the expression of G protein alpha-subunit mRNA in rat brain in a region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Yeol Nah
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
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Yoo JH, Lee SY, Loh HH, Ho IK, Jang CG. Loss of nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization in ?-opioid receptor knockout mice. Synapse 2003; 51:219-23. [PMID: 14696009 DOI: 10.1002/syn.10303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Repeated administration of nicotine produces behavioral sensitization. However, the possible mechanism of behavioral sensitization to nicotine remains unclear. The present study was undertaken in micro-opioid receptor knockout mice, to examine the hypothesis that micro-opioid receptors play a crucial role in behavioral sensitization to nicotine. All mice received saline or nicotine (0.05 mg/kg, s.c) twice a day for 7 consecutive days. The mice remained drug free for 3 days and on day 11 each group was challenged with saline or nicotine (0.05 mg/kg, s.c.). On day 1, it was observed that the single injection of nicotine (0.05 mg/kg, s.c.) did not influence locomotor activity in either micro-opioid receptor knockout or in wildtype mice. On day 7 (24 h after mice had been treated twice daily for 6 consecutive days with an injection of 0.05 mg/kg of nicotine), the mice were challenged with a single injection of nicotine, which produced behavioral sensitization in the wildtype but not in micro-opioid receptor knockout mice. On day 11, following 3 days of withdrawal after the second injection of nicotine on day 7, nicotine-treated mice were challenged with a single injection of nicotine and showed the behavioral sensitization of wildtype. However, nicotine challenge did not induce behavioral sensitization in micro-opioid receptor knockout mice. Our data indicate that a lack of micro-opioid receptors can inhibit the effects of nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization. This result strongly suggests that the micro-opioid receptor plays an important role in behavioral sensitization to nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hoon Yoo
- Department of Pharmacology College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
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Sala F, Mulet J, Choi S, Jung SY, Nah SY, Rhim H, Valor LM, Criado M, Sala S. Effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002; 301:1052-9. [PMID: 12023537 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.301.3.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ginseng saponins, major active components of ginseng root used by folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases, produce multiple pharmacological responses having many effects on the central and peripheral nervous system. Specifically, ginsenoside Rg(2) has been shown to block the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in bovine chromaffin cells. We have studied the effect of Rg(2) on different types of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), both homomeric and heteromeric, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Rg(2) did not affect the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced currents in alpha(7) human receptors, however Rg(2) affected the peak currents, and mainly the desensitization of heteromeric receptors alpha(3)beta(4), alpha(3)beta(2), alpha(4)beta(4), and alpha(4)beta(2). Both effects, a diminution of peak current and an increase of desensitization, are dose-dependent and are very similar for all the receptors. The mechanism of action has been studied in more detail in alpha(3)beta(4) and alpha(4)beta(2) receptors where we found a negligible shift in the ACh dose-response curves and a persistence of the Rg(2) effects at high ACh concentrations, indicative of a noncompetitive antagonism. A lack of voltage dependence on the reduction of the peak currents induced by ACh also suggests that Rg(2) does not act as an open channel blocker of human nAChR. The results indicate that Rg(2) acts specifically on heteromeric human nAChRs modulating their desensitization and suggest a possible mechanism by which this saponin contributes to the multiple therapeutic effects of ginseng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Sala
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Campus de San Juan, Apdo. Correos 18, 03550 Alicante, Spain
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Choi S, Jung SY, Lee JH, Sala F, Criado M, Mulet J, Valor LM, Sala S, Engel AG, Nah SY. Effects of ginsenosides, active components of ginseng, on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2002; 442:37-45. [PMID: 12020680 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)01508-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of ginsenosides, the active ingredient of ginseng, on neuronal or muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel activity expressed in Xenopus oocytes after injection of cRNA encoding bovine neuronal alpha3beta4, alpha7 or human muscle alphabetadeltavarepsilon subunits. Treatment with acetylcholine elicited an inward peak current (I(ACh)) in oocytes expressing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Cotreatment with ginsenoside Rg2 and acetylcholine inhibited I(ACh) in oocytes expressing with alpha3beta4 or alphabetadeltavarepsilon but not in oocytes expressing alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The inhibition of I(ACh) by ginsenoside Rg2 was reversible and dose-dependent. The half-inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of ginsenoside Rg2 were 60.2+/-14.1 and 15.7+/-3.5 microM in oocytes expressing alpha3beta4 and alphabetadeltavarepsilon nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, respectively. The inhibition of I(ACh) by ginsenoside Rg2 was voltage-independent and noncompetitive. Other ginsenosides besides ginsenoside Rg2 also inhibited I(ACh) in oocytes expressing alpha3beta4 or alphabetadeltavarepsilon nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The order of potency for the inhibition of I(ACh) was ginsenoside Rg2>Rf>Re>Rg1>Rc>Rb2>Rb1 in oocytes expressing alpha3beta4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and was ginsenoside Rg2>Rf>Rg1>Re>Rb1>Rc>Rb2 in oocytes expressing alphabetadeltavarepsilon nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These results indicate that ginsenosides might regulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a differential manner and this regulation might be one of the pharmacological actions of Panax ginseng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Choi
- National Research Laboratory for the Study of Ginseng Signal Transduction and Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Kwangju, South Korea
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Rao AV, Gurfinkel DM. The bioactivity of saponins: triterpenoid and steroidal glycosides. DRUG METABOLISM AND DRUG INTERACTIONS 2001; 17:211-35. [PMID: 11201296 DOI: 10.1515/dmdi.2000.17.1-4.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Triterpenoid and steroidal glycosides, referred to collectively as saponins, are bioactive compounds present naturally in many plants. They have considerable potential as pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical agents in natural or synthetic form. Saponins, from a variety of sources, have been shown to have hypocholesterolemic, anti-coagulant, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. This paper reviews saponin research of the last decade, focussing on developments in understanding their mechanism of action and structure-activity relationships. Virtually all of this work has used animal and in vitro models. To date there are very few human data.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Rao
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Cicero AF, Bandieri E, Arletti R. Orally administered Panax notoginseng influence on rat spontaneous behaviour. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2000; 73:387-391. [PMID: 11090991 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Panax notoginseng root is highly prized in China for its supposed hemorheological properties. Its behavioural effects are still not scientifically investigated; therefore, our preliminary study aim is to evaluate the influence of this phyto-drug on rats spontaneous behaviour. High quality P. notoginseng root dry extract has been orally administered through gastric tube for 10 days in two doses (43 and 86 mg/kg in a volume of 5 ml/kg per day) and its effects on locomotion, emotional reactivity and nutrition have been evaluated in different groups of Wistar rats (ten per group) versus animals treated with 5 ml/kg per day of saline. Actimeter test, open field test and microstructural analysis of unconditioned behaviour were carried out. The data were processed by ANOVA-test followed by the Student's one-tail t-test and a 0.05 significance level was chosen for all statistical tests. A significant increase in spontaneous motility being not associated to an increase in grooming episodes duration and number was found in all tests (P<0.05). Feeding behaviour appeared not to be affected by the treatment. Observed effects did not seem dose-related. Reduction of grooming episodes duration and number and increase of inner crossings in open field suggested that notoginsenoides can modulate emotional responses in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Cicero
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Pharmacology Section, University of Modena and Reggio nell'Emilia, Via Campi, 287, 41100, Modena, Italy
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Williamson ED. Selected bibliography. Phytother Res 2000; 14:69-72. [PMID: 10641056 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(200002)14:1<69::aid-ptr606>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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