Uchida Y, Samejima Y, Kamijo S, Hosonuma M, Izumizaki M. Ostruthin, a TWIK-Related Potassium Channel Agonist, Increases the Body Temperature in Ovariectomized Rats With or Without Progesterone Administration.
Cureus 2024;
16:e65706. [PMID:
39211681 PMCID:
PMC11358601 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.65706]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The TWIK-related potassium (TREK) channel subfamily, including TREK1 and TREK2, is a novel cold receptor. Ostruthin, a TREK1 and TREK2 agonist, is a component found in the plant Paramignya trimera and is traditionally used as an anticancer medicine in Vietnam, with its stems and roots treating various ailments. The female hormone progesterone (P4) influences body temperature in women; however, the effect of P4 on thermoregulation via TREK has not been examined. This study aims to investigate the effects of P4 on thermoregulatory responses in ostruthin-administered ovariectomized rats, which are animal models of human menopause.
METHODS
Wistar rats were ovariectomized and implanted with silastic tubes with or without P4 (P4(+) and P4(-) groups). The TREK agonist or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally. Body temperature, locomotor activity, tail skin temperature, and thermoregulatory behavior (assessed by tail-hiding behavior) were continuously measured. Plasma concentrations of catecholamines, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were also measured.
RESULTS
In both the P4(+) and P4(-) groups, the change in body temperature was greater among the rats administered the TREK agonist compared to the vehicle. No significant differences were observed between the groups in locomotor activity, tail skin temperature, or tail-hiding behavior. The dopamine concentration in the P4(+) group was lower than that in the P4(-) group.
CONCLUSIONS
Ostruthin, the TREK agonist, increases body temperature in ovariectomized rats; however, P4 may not affect these responses in ovariectomized rats.
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