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Xie P, Chen L, Wang J, Wang X, Yang S, Zhu G. Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua prevent post-traumatic stress disorder behaviors in mice: Mechanisms from the perspective of synaptic injury, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117165. [PMID: 37696440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a kind of depression syndrome, and its occurrence is related to deficiencies of the heart and kidney. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua replenishes Qi and blood and tonifies the five zang organs, so it is widely used in TCM as a prescription for the treatment of depression syndrome. The polysaccharides in P. cyrtonema Hua (PSP) are the main active components of the herb, but the effects of PSP on PTSD and the mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the preventive effect of PSP on PTSD-like behaviors and to determine the mechanisms. METHODS We used behavioral tests to evaluate PTSD-like behaviors in mice. Synaptic changes were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes to the hippocampus, and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe changes in astrocytes. Serum corticosterone (CORT), cytokine, and hippocampal oxidation-related indicator levels were evaluated by ELISA. We detected the expression levels of synaptic, oxidative, and inflammation-related proteins in the hippocampus by western blotting. RESULTS Single prolonged stress (SPS)-modeled mice exhibited significant PTSD-like phenotypes, including increased fear memory acquisition and anxiety-like behaviors. These behavioral changes were prevented by PSP administration. Compared to controls, SPS modeling increased serum CORT, cytokine, and hippocampal malondialdehyde levels; decreased superoxide dismutase activity; and caused losses in pyramidal neurons, astrocytes, and synapses in the CA1 region. At the molecular level, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, postsynaptic density protein 95, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), phospho-tyrosine kinase receptor B, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and GluA1 decreased in SPS mice compared with the control group, while the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), GluN2B, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein increased in SPS mice. Treatment with PSP counteracted these abnormal changes. Importantly, ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, blocked PSP's ability to ameliorate PTSD behaviors and abnormal protein expression. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 reduced the PTSD-like behaviors and normalized protein expression in SPS mice. CONCLUSION PSP prevents SPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors and synaptic damage by regulating oxidative stress and NLRP3-mediated inflammation, probably in an Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Xuncui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Shaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China; The Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
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Heesbeen EJ, Bijlsma EY, Verdouw PM, van Lissa C, Hooijmans C, Groenink L. The effect of SSRIs on fear learning: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2335-2359. [PMID: 36847831 PMCID: PMC10593621 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06333-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered first-line medication for anxiety-like disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fear learning plays an important role in the development and treatment of these disorders. Yet, the effect of SSRIs on fear learning are not well known. OBJECTIVE We aimed to systematically review the effect of six clinically effective SSRIs on acquisition, expression, and extinction of cued and contextual conditioned fear. METHODS We searched the Medline and Embase databases, which yielded 128 articles that met the inclusion criteria and reported on 9 human and 275 animal experiments. RESULTS Meta-analysis showed that SSRIs significantly reduced contextual fear expression and facilitated extinction learning to cue. Bayesian-regularized meta-regression further suggested that chronic treatment exerts a stronger anxiolytic effect on cued fear expression than acute treatment. Type of SSRI, species, disease-induction model, and type of anxiety test used did not seem to moderate the effect of SSRIs. The number of studies was relatively small, the level of heterogeneity was high, and publication bias has likely occurred which may have resulted in an overestimation of the overall effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that the efficacy of SSRIs may be related to their effects on contextual fear expression and extinction to cue, rather than fear acquisition. However, these effects of SSRIs may be due to a more general inhibition of fear-related emotions. Therefore, additional meta-analyses on the effects of SSRIs on unconditioned fear responses may provide further insight into the actions of SSRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise J Heesbeen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Y Bijlsma
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - P Monika Verdouw
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Caspar van Lissa
- Department of Methodology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Carlijn Hooijmans
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Hosseini L, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Farajdokht F, Salehi-Pourmehr H, Pasokh A, Ziaee M, Sandoghchian Shotorbani S, Hosseini MJ, Mahmoudi J. Synergistic effects of combined therapy with cerebrolysin and enriched environment on anxiety-like behavior and spatial cognitive deficits in posttraumatic stress disorder-like mouse model. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:197-205. [PMID: 36853847 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs after exposure to stressful, fearful, or troubling events. Cerebrolysin (CBL), consists of low molecular weights neurotrophic factors and amino acids obtained from purified porcine brain proteins. This study aimed to evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of enriched environment (EE) and CBL alone or combined for reducing anxiety and cognitive deficits in PTSD-like mouse models. For this purpose, inescapable electric foot shocks were delivered to Balb/c mice for two consecutive days. Then mice were treated with CBL (2.5 mL/kg) and/or were kept in EE (2 h per day) or received their combination for 14 consecutive days. The hole-board test and Lashley III paradigm were used to assess anxiety and spatial learning and memory, respectively. Changes in the serum corticosterone level and expression of synaptic elements, including; growth-associated protein 43, post-synaptic density 95, and synaptophysin were assessed in the hippocampus. This model caused anxiety and spatial memory impairment associated with increased serum corticosterone levels and decreased synaptic elements. Nevertheless, CBL and/or combination treatment could reverse behavioral and molecular alterations. Our findings indicated that CBL, separately or in combination with EE, is effective in reducing anxiety and spatial memory impairment in PTSD-like mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr
- Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz
| | | | - Mojtaba Ziaee
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh
| | | | - Mir-Jamal Hosseini
- Zanjan Applied Pharmacology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Melatonin alleviates PTSD-like behaviors and restores serum GABA and cortisol levels in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:259-269. [PMID: 36642730 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06312-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Melatonin is an endogenous hormone which modulates sleep-wake cycles. Previous studies have found a close correlation between melatonin and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a trauma- and stress-related psychiatric disorder with symptoms of sleep disturbance. However, it is still unclear if melatonin can have a therapeutic effect on PTSD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on foot shocks induced PTSD-like behaviors and abnormal neuroendocrine levels in mice. RESULTS As compared to no-shock controls, PTSD-like mice spent significantly more time freezing and displayed less rearing in a contextual fear test, spent significantly less time in and had fewer entries into open arms in an elevated maze test, and spent significantly less time in and had fewer entries into a light box in a light-dark transition task. In addition, serum GABA and cortisol levels were both found to be significantly decreased, whereas epinephrine levels were significantly increased in the PTSD-like mice. Our results showed that intraperitoneal injections of melatonin (2 mM, but not 0.2 nor 20 mM, 0.1 ml/day for two consecutive weeks) alleviated PTSD-like behaviors and restored serum GABA and cortisol levels. Further, it was found that melatonin receptor 1/2 antagonist luzindole significantly blocked the beneficial effects of melatonin for PTSD-like behaviors and serum GABA and cortisol levels, whereas melatonin receptor 2 antagonist 4-P-PDOT slightly blocked these effects. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that melatonin has a potential therapeutic effect on PTSD-like symptoms in mice, and melatonin receptor 1 mediated the effect.
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ERK/mTOR signaling may underlying the antidepressant actions of rapastinel in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:522. [PMID: 36550125 PMCID: PMC9780240 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02290-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapastinel as the allosteric modulator of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) produces rapid antidepressant-like effects dependent on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and VGF (nonacryonimic) release. Herein, we further explore the molecular mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of repeated administration with rapastinel in mice. Our results showed that continuous 3-day rapastinel (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.v.) produced antidepressant-like actions dependent on the increase in extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and downstream substrates p70S6 kinase (p70S6k) and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), which may induce the expression of VGF and BDNF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice. Furthermore, compared with a single treatment, our data indicated that 3-day repeated rapastinel treatment produced antidepressant-like actions accompanied by potentiation of ERK/mTOR/VGF/BDNF/tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling. Based on previous and our supplementary data that showed the pivotal role of on α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) in the rapid release of VGF and BDNF and activation of TrkB by a single dose of rapastinel, we postulate that the antidepressant-like effects of single or repeated administration of rapastinel may result in the rapid release of VGF and BDNF or ERK/mTOR signaling pathway-mediated VGF/BDNF/TrkB autoregulatory feedback loop respectively. Our current work adds new knowledge to the molecular mechanisms that underlie the antidepressant-like actions of rapastinel in mice.
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Wang YT, Zhang NN, Liu LJ, Jiang H, Hu D, Wang ZZ, Chen NH, Zhang Y. Glutamatergic receptor and neuroplasticity in depression: Implications for ketamine and rapastinel as the rapid-acting antidepressants. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 594:46-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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A new stress model by predatory sound produces persistent anxiety-like behaviours in male SD rats but not ICR mice. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Gao ZW, Ju RL, Luo M, Wu SL, Zhang WT. The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on an animal model of PTSD. Psychiatry Res 2019; 279:130-137. [PMID: 31103345 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental illness. The antidepressant-like properties of ginsenoside Rg2 (GRg2) have been shown, while little is known about its anti-PTSD-like effects. In the present study, the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits in rats were induced following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS). The results showed that the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) were reversed by GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. In addition, GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) could block the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the brain or serum. In summary, GRg2 alleviated the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits with biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China; Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China; Shunde Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528333,P.R. China
| | - Rong-Le Ju
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China.
| | - Shu-Lian Wu
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Tong Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China
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The glycine site of NMDA receptors: A target for cognitive enhancement in psychiatric disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:387-404. [PMID: 30738126 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a principal determinant of functional impairment in major depressive disorder (MDD) and often persists during periods of euthymia. Abnormalities in the glutamate system, particularly in N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) activity, have been shown to contribute to both mood and cognitive symptoms in MDD. The current narrative review aims to evaluate the potential pro-cognitive effects of targeting the glycine site of NMDARs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, with a special focus on how these results may apply to MDD. Literature databases were searched from inception to May 2018 for relevant pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating antidepressant and pro-cognitive effects of NMDAR glycine site modulators in both MDD and non-MDD samples. Six glycine site modulators with pro-cognitive and antidepressant properties were identified: d-serine (co-agonist), d-cycloserine (partial agonist), d-alanine (co-agonist), glycine (agonist), sarcosine (co-agonist) and rapastinel (partial agonist). Preclinical animal studies demonstrated improved neuroplasticity and pro-cognitive effects with these agents. Numerous proof-of-concept clinical trials demonstrated pro-cognitive and antidepressant effects trans-diagnostically (e.g., in healthy participants, MDD, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, major neurocognitive disorders). The generalizability of these clinical studies was limited by the small sample sizes and the paucity of studies directly evaluating cognitive effects in MDD samples, as most clinical trials were in non-MDD samples. Taken together, preliminary results suggest that the glycine site of NMDARs is a promising target to ameliorate symptoms of depression and cognitive dysfunction. Additional rigorously designed clinical studies are required to determine the cognitive effects of these agents in MDD.
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Su AS, Zhang JW, Zou J. The anxiolytic-like effects of puerarin on an animal model of PTSD. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108978. [PMID: 31102911 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that affected numerous people. The anti-PTSD-like effects of puerarin is unknown, although the antidepressant- and anxiolytic- like effects of puerarin have been reported. The PTSD behavioral deficits in rats were induced by single prolonged stress (SPS), mainly including the reduced time/entries in the open arms and the elevated time/entries in the closed arms in elevated plus maze test, increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm and lowered time/entries in the central zone in open field test. However, the behavioral deficits were attenuated by puerarin (50 and 100 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. For the evaluation of mechanism, the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, and the increased levels of corticosterone, corticotropin releasing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone in the brain or serum were induced by SPS, which is blocked by puerarin. In summary, the anti-PTSD-like effects of puerarin were associated with biosynthesis of neurosteroids and normalized levels of stress hormones in HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Shan Su
- GCP Center, Nangfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 501515, China
| | - Jun-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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Hou L, Qi Y, Sun H, Wang G, Li Q, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Du Z, Sun L. Applying ketamine to alleviate the PTSD-like effects by regulating the HCN1-related BDNF. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:313-321. [PMID: 29596995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with concurrent anxiety and depression symptoms, and reduce the expression of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which promotes the proliferation and survival of neurons. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1(HCN1) could be inhibited by the ketamine, a drug to alleviate depression and anxiety, and regulated the BDNF expression, however, the effects of ketamine in alleviating PTSD symptoms by regulating the HCN1-related BDNF have been poorly perceived. METHODS In the present study, the effects of ketamine were examined on the PTSD-like effects in a rat model of PTSD induced by SPS&S procedure. After the SPS&S procedure and model testing, PTSD rats were subjected to behavioral testing and biochemical assessments, followed by single treatment with certain doses of ketamine (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg IP). RESULTS The results showed that the SPS&S procedure induced severe PTSD-like behaviors, with lower levels of BDNF protein levels and higher level of the HCN1 protein in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These were reversed by a single administration of ketamine. The ketamine with dose of 15 mg/kg significantly increased locomotor behavior in the open field test, aggrandized exploratory behavior in the elevated plus maze test, and decreased immobility time spent in the forced swim test. Meanwhile, ketamine with dose of 15 mg/kg could increase the BDNF protein level, while down-regulate the expression of the HCN1. Eventually, there was a negative correlation between the level of BDNF and HCN1 in the PFC. CONCLUSION Ketamine affects the HCN1-related BDNF signaling pathways to alleviate PTSD-like effects in rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanwei Hou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yirui Qi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Reproduction Growth and Development, University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Zuoji Zhang
- Behavior Medical Education Research Center, Jining Medical University, NO. 16 Hehua Road, Taibaihu District, Jining, 272067, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongde Du
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army Eighty-Nine Hospital, 256# Beigong West Street, Weifang, 261021, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China; Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, 7166# Baotong West Street, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.
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Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Zeng J, Xiao W, Fan QH, Chai XM, Ye WH, Chen JS. Anxiolytic-like effects of paeoniflorin in an animal model of post traumatic stress disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1175-1185. [PMID: 29633071 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0216-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the serious psychiatric disorder. Paeoniflorin (PF) produces the antidepressant-like properties. However, few studies are concerned about its anti-PTSD-like effects and mechanisms. To investigate these, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was utilized. PTSD-like behavioral deficits in rats after exposure to SPS were improved by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), evidenced by blocking increased freezing time in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) and increased time and entries in open arms in elevated plus maze (EPM) test without affecting the locomotor activity in open field (OF) test. We also found that increased levels of corticosterone (Cort), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) after exposure to SPS were reversed by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) in serum, respectively. Moreover, the decreased levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were reversed by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. In summary, the anti-PTSD-like activities of PF were associated with the modulation of HPA axis and 5-HT system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Hong Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Meng Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hai Ye
- The Affiliated Chencun Hospital of Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528313, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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Role of dopamine D3 receptor in alleviating behavioural deficits in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:190-200. [PMID: 29510167 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complicated psychiatric disorder, which occurs after exposure to a traumatic event. The main clinical manifestation of PTSD includes fear and stress dysregulation. In both animals and humans, dysregulation of dopamine function appears to be related to conditioned fear responses. Previous studies show that the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is involved in schizophrenia, autism, and substance use disorders and is related to emotional disorders. However, few studies have investigated the role of the D3R in the pathogenesis and aetiology of PTSD. In the current study, we have reported that D3R knockout (D3R-/-) mice displayed decreased freezing time of contextual fearing and anxiolytic effects following training sessions consisting of exposure to inescapable electric foot-shocks. Similarly, highly selective blockade of D3Rs by YQA14, a novel D3R antagonist, significantly ameliorated freezing and anxiogenic-like behaviours in the single-prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD in rats. And more, YQA14 selectively alleviated the symptoms of PTSD in WT mice but not in D3R-/- mice. In summary, this study demonstrates the anti-PTSD effects of blockade or knockout of the D3R, suggesting that the D3R might play an important role in the pathogenesis and aetiology of PTSD, and might be a potential target for the clinical management of PTSD.
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The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on chronic unpredictable stress in rats. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7741. [PMID: 29773855 PMCID: PMC5958129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study is to evaluate the anxiolytic-like activities underlying ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3). The anxiolytic-like activities were induced by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g), evidenced by blocking the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test and by reversing the increased latency to feed in novelty-suppressed feeding test. In addition, the decreased levels on progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were blocked by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g). Furthermore, the increased corticotropin releasing hormone, corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone were blocked by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g). Collectively, the anxiolytic-like effects produced by GRg3 were associated with the normalization of neurosteroids biosynthesis, serotonergic system as well as HPA axis dysfunction.
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Deslauriers J, Toth M, Der-Avakian A, Risbrough VB. Current Status of Animal Models of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Behavioral and Biological Phenotypes, and Future Challenges in Improving Translation. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:895-907. [PMID: 29338843 PMCID: PMC6085893 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Increasing predictability of animal models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has required active collaboration between clinical and preclinical scientists. Modeling PTSD is challenging, as it is a heterogeneous disorder with ≥20 symptoms. Clinical research increasingly utilizes objective biological measures (e.g., imaging, peripheral biomarkers) or nonverbal behaviors and/or physiological responses to complement verbally reported symptoms. This shift toward more-objectively measurable phenotypes enables refinement of current animal models of PTSD, and it supports the incorporation of homologous measures across species. We reviewed >600 articles to examine the ability of current rodent models to probe biological phenotypes of PTSD (e.g., sleep disturbances, hippocampal and fear-circuit dysfunction, inflammation, glucocorticoid receptor hypersensitivity) in addition to behavioral phenotypes. Most models reliably produced enduring generalized anxiety-like or depression-like behaviors, as well as hyperactive fear circuits, glucocorticoid receptor hypersensitivity, and response to long-term selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Although a few paradigms probed fear conditioning/extinction or utilized peripheral immune, sleep, and noninvasive imaging measures, we argue that these should be incorporated more to enhance translation. Data on female subjects, on subjects at different ages across the life span, or on temporal trajectories of phenotypes after stress that can inform model validity and treatment study design are needed. Overall, preclinical (and clinical) PTSD researchers are increasingly incorporating homologous biological measures to assess markers of risk, response, and treatment outcome. This shift is exciting, as we and many others hope it not only will support translation of drug efficacy from animal models to clinical trials but also will potentially improve predictability of stage II for stage III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Deslauriers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, California
| | - Mate Toth
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andre Der-Avakian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Victoria B Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, California.
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Scale-Up Synthesis and Identification of GLYX-13, a NMDAR Glycine-Site Partial Agonist for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23050996. [PMID: 29695090 PMCID: PMC6102568 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23050996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
GLYX-13, a NMDAR glycine-site partial agonist, was discovered as a promising antidepressant with rapidly acting effects but no ketamine-like side effects. However, the reported synthetic process route had deficiencies of low yield and the use of unfriendly reagents. Here, we report a scaled-up synthesis of GLYX-13 with an overall yield of 30% on the hectogram scale with a column chromatography-free strategy, where the coupling and deprotection reaction conditions were systematically optimized. Meanwhile, the absolute configuration of precursor compound of GLYX-13 was identified by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Finally, the activity of GLYX-13 was verified in the cortical neurons of mice through whole-cell voltage-clamp technique.
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Zhang ZS, Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Chen JS, Wang YL. Resveratrol ameliorated the behavioral deficits in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 161:68-76. [PMID: 28947177 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major psychiatric and neurological issue. Resveratrol is shown to be effective on depression and anxiety. However, the mechanism of anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the possible molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol. Following a 2-day exposure to inescapable electric foot shocks, animals were administered resveratrol (10, 20, and 40mg/kg, i.g.) during the behavioral tests, which included contextual freezing measurement, elevated plus maze test, staircase test, and open field test. Similar to the positive control drug sertraline (15mg/kg, i.g.), the behavioral deficits of stressed mice were blocked by resveratrol (20 and 40mg/kg, i.g.), which reversed the increased freezing time in contextual freezing measurement and the number of rears in the staircase test and blocked the decrease in time and number of entries in open arms in the elevated plus maze test without affecting the locomotor activity in the open field test. In addition, resveratrol (20 and 40mg/kg, i.g.) antagonized the decrease in the levels of progesterone and allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, long-term resveratrol attenuated the dysfunctions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis simultaneously. Collectively, the evidence indicated that the anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol were associated with the normalization of biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain and prevention of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Shun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Zhuhai 519015, PR China
| | - Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yu-Lu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, PR China.
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Qiu ZK, Zhang GH, Zhong DS, He JL, Liu X, Chen JS, Wei DN. Puerarin ameliorated the behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress in rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6266. [PMID: 28740098 PMCID: PMC5524961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant-like effects of puerarin via the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) procedure in rats. Similar to Sertraline (Ser), Chronic treatment of puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) elicited the antidepressant-like effects by reversing the decreased sucrose preference in sucrose preference test (SPT), by blocking the increased latency to feed in novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the increased immobility time in forced swimming test (FST) without affecting locomotor activity. However, acute puerarin treatment did not ameliorate the antidepressant- and anxiolytic- like effects in FST and NSFT, respectively. In addition, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) showed that chronic treatment of puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) reversed the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of post-CUS rats. Furthermore, puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) blocked the increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Collectively, repeated administration of puerarin alleviated the behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress which was associated with the biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and preventing HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Guan-Hua Zhang
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, P.R. China
| | - De-Sheng Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Hui Zhou Municipal Centre Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, P.R. China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, P.R. China
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Da-Nian Wei
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, P.R. China.
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Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Zeng J, Chen JS, Nie H. Anti-PTSD-like effects of albiflorin extracted from Radix paeoniae Alba. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 198:324-330. [PMID: 27993636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal, as well as social and professional dysfunction at least one month after the exposure to a traumatic event. Biosynthesis of allopregnanolone has been suggested as one of the important contributors to PTSD. Albiflorin (AF) extracted from Radix paeoniae Alba had been shown to be effective in the therapy of depression. However, few studies were concerned about the anti-PTSD-like effects of AF. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-PTSD-like effects of AF in an animal model and its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS To evaluate this, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was used in the present study. The SPS rats were administered by AF (at doses of 3.5, 7 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.) after induction of SPS from days 2-13. After the exposure to SPS, behavioral assessments were conducted, including contextual fear paradigm (CFP), elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), open-field test (OFT). The rats were decapitated at the end of the behavioral tests and levels of allopregnanolone in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS It had been shown that behavioral deficits of SPS rats were reversed by AF (7.0 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.), which attenuated the PTSD-like associated contextual freezing behavior in CFP and improved PTSD-like associated anxiogenic behavior in EPMT without affecting locomotor activity in OFT. Moreover, decreased levels of allopregnanolone in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala were reversed by AF (7.0 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.), respectively. CONCLUSION In summary, the present study indicated that AF exerted the anti-PTSD-like effects, which maybe associated with allopregnanolone biosynthesis in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Hong Nie
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
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Vasilescu AN, Schweinfurth N, Borgwardt S, Gass P, Lang UE, Inta D, Eckart S. Modulation of the activity of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors as a novel treatment option for depression: current clinical evidence and therapeutic potential of rapastinel (GLYX-13). Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:973-980. [PMID: 28408831 PMCID: PMC5384686 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s119004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical monoaminergic antidepressants show several disadvantages, such as protracted onset of therapeutic action. Conversely, the fast and sustained antidepressant effect of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine raises vast interest in understanding the role of the glutamate system in mood disorders. Indeed, numerous data support the existence of glutamatergic dysfunction in major depressive disorder (MDD). Drawback to this short-latency therapy is its side effect profile, especially the psychotomimetic action, which seriously hampers the common and widespread clinical use of ketamine. Therefore, there is a substantial need for alternative glutamatergic antidepressants with milder side effects. In this article, we review evidence that implicates NMDARs in the prospective treatment of MDD with focus on rapastinel (formerly known as GLYX-13), a novel synthetic NMDAR modulator with fast antidepressant effect, which acts by enhancing NMDAR function as opposed to blocking it. We summarize and discuss current clinical and animal studies regarding the therapeutic potential of rapastinel not only in MDD but also in other psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Additionally, we discuss current data concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect of rapastinel, highlighting common aspects as well as differences to ketamine. In 2016, rapastinel received the Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of MDD from the US Food and Drug Administration, representing one of the most promising alternative antidepressants under current investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei-Nicolae Vasilescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Schweinfurth
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Undine E Lang
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dragos Inta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Eckart
- Department of Psychiatry (Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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