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Wang M, Wei X, Jia Y, Wang C, Wang X, Zhang X, Li D, Wang Y, Gao Y. Quercetin alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior by inhibiting NMDAR1 with α2δ-1 in rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14724. [PMID: 38615365 PMCID: PMC11016343 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a serious mental disorder and the most prevalent cause of disability and suicide worldwide. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can lead to a significant acceleration of depression development. Quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid compound with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Recent studies have shown that quercetin can improve CUMS-induced depression-like behavior, but the mechanism of its improvement is still unclear. α2δ-1 is a regulatory subunit of voltage-gated calcium channel, which can interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) to form a complex. OBJECTIVE In this study, we found that Que could inhibit the increase of α2δ-1 and NMDAR expression in rat hypothalamus induced by CUMS. In pain, chronic hypertension and other studies have shown that α2δ-1 interacts with the NMDAR to form a complex, which subsequently affects the expression level of NMDAR. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Que in vivo and in vitro and to explore its mechanism of action in terms of the interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDAR. METHODS Rats were randomly exposed to two stressors every day for 4 weeks to establish a CUMS rat model, then sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT) were performed to detect the behavior of CUMS rats, so as to evaluate whether the CUMS rat model was successfully established and the improvement effect of Que on CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in rats. Experimental techniques such as serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation, as well as in vitro experiments, were used to investigate the mechanisms by which Que exerts its antidepressant effects. RESULTS Behavioral and ELISA test results showed that Que could produce a reduction in the excitability of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in CUMS rats and lead to significant improvements in their depressive behavior. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Que produced a decrease in NMDAR1 and α2δ-1 expression levels and interfered with α2δ-1 and NMDAR1 binding. In addition, the neural regulation mechanism of Que on antidepressant effect in PC12 cells knocked out α2δ-1 gene was further verified. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Que led to a reversal of up-regulation of NMDAR1 and α2δ-1 expression levels in corticosterone-injured PC12 cells, while Que had no effects on NMDAR1 expression in PC12 cells with the α2δ-1 gene knockout. CONCLUSIONS Que has a good antidepressant effect and can significantly improve the depression-like behavior caused by CUMS. It exerts antidepressant effects by inhibiting the expression level of α2δ-1, interfering with the interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDAR, and then reducing the excitability of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Wang
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xin Wei
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yugai Jia
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Chaonan Wang
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xinliu Wang
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Depei Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yonggang Gao
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
- Hebei International Cooperation Center for Ion channel Function and Innovative Traditional Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangChina
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Filipović D, Novak B, Xiao J, Tadić P, Turck CW. Prefrontal Cortex Cytosolic Proteome and Machine Learning-Based Predictors of Resilience toward Chronic Social Isolation in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3026. [PMID: 38474271 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic social isolation (CSIS) generates two stress-related phenotypes: resilience and susceptibility. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CSIS resilience remain unclear. We identified altered proteome components and biochemical pathways and processes in the prefrontal cortex cytosolic fraction in CSIS-resilient rats compared to CSIS-susceptible and control rats using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry followed by label-free quantification and STRING bioinformatics. A sucrose preference test was performed to distinguish rat phenotypes. Potential predictive proteins discriminating between the CSIS-resilient and CSIS-susceptible groups were identified using machine learning (ML) algorithms: support vector machine-based sequential feature selection and random forest-based feature importance scores. Predominantly, decreased levels of some glycolytic enzymes, G protein-coupled receptor proteins, the Ras subfamily of GTPases proteins, and antioxidant proteins were found in the CSIS-resilient vs. CSIS-susceptible groups. Altered levels of Gapdh, microtubular, cytoskeletal, and calcium-binding proteins were identified between the two phenotypes. Increased levels of proteins involved in GABA synthesis, the proteasome system, nitrogen metabolism, and chaperone-mediated protein folding were identified. Predictive proteins make CSIS-resilient vs. CSIS-susceptible groups linearly separable, whereby a 100% validation accuracy was achieved by ML models. The overall ratio of significantly up- and downregulated cytosolic proteins suggests adaptive cellular alterations as part of the stress-coping process specific for the CSIS-resilient phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Filipović
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Božidar Novak
- Proteomics and Biomarkers, Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Jinqiu Xiao
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Predrag Tadić
- School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Christoph W Turck
- Proteomics and Biomarkers, Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
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3
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Bliznyuk A, Grossman Y. Role of NMDA Receptor in High-Pressure Neurological Syndrome and Hyperbaric Oxygen Toxicity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1786. [PMID: 38136657 PMCID: PMC10742241 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Professional divers exposed to pressures greater than 11 ATA (1.1 MPa) may suffer from high-pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS). Divers who use closed-circuit breathing apparatus and patients and medical attendants undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) face the risk of CNS hyperbaric oxygen toxicity (HBOTx) at oxygen pressure above 2 ATA (0.2 MPa). Both syndromes are characterized by reversible CNS hyperexcitability, accompanied by cognitive and motor deficits, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) plays a crucial role in provoking them. Various NMDAR subtypes respond differently under hyperbaric conditions. The augmented currents observed only in NMDAR containing GluN2A subunit increase glutamatergic synaptic activity and cause dendritic hyperexcitability and abnormal neuronal activity. Removal of the resting Zn2+ voltage-independent inhibition exerted by GluN2A present in the NMDAR is the major candidate for the mechanism underlying the increase in receptor conductance. Therefore, this process should be the main target for future research aiming at developing neuroprotection against HPNS and HBOTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bliznyuk
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (IKI), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Yoram Grossman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel;
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Liu X, Fang Y, Xu J, Yang T, Xu J, He J, Liu W, Yu X, Wen Y, Zhang N, Li C. Oxidative stress, dysfunctional energy metabolism, and destabilizing neurotransmitters altered the cerebral metabolic profile in a rat model of simulated heliox saturation diving to 4.0 MPa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282700. [PMID: 36917582 PMCID: PMC10013885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to determine metabolic profile changes in the brains of rats after simulated heliox saturated diving (HSD) to 400 meters of sea water compared to the blank controls. Alterations in the polar metabolome in the rat brain due to HSD were investigated in cortex, hippocampus, and striatum tissue samples by applying an NMR-based metabolomic approach coupled with biochemical detection in the cortex. The reduction in glutathione and taurine levels may hypothetically boost antioxidant defenses during saturation diving, which was also proven by the increased malondialdehyde level, the decreased superoxide dismutase, and the decreased glutathione peroxidase in the cortex. The concomitant decrease in aerobic metabolic pathways and anaerobic metabolic pathways comprised downregulated energy metabolism, which was also proven by the biochemical quantification of the metabolic enzymes Na-K ATPase and LDH in cerebral cortex tissue. The significant metabolic abnormalities of amino acid neurotransmitters, such as GABA, glycine, and aspartate, decreased aromatic amino acids, including tyrosine and phenylalanine, both of which are involved in the metabolism of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are downregulated in the cortex. Particularly, a decline in the level of N-acetyl aspartate is associated with neuronal damage. In summary, hyperbaric decompression of a 400 msw HSD affected the brain metabolome in a rat model, potentially including a broad range of disturbing amino acid homeostasis, metabolites related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism, and destabilizing neurotransmitter components. These disturbances may contribute to the neurochemical and neurological phenotypes of HSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Liu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqun Fang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YF); (CL)
| | - Jiajun Xu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwu Liu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Xuhua Yu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yukun Wen
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ci Li
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YF); (CL)
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Berezovskaya AS, Tyganov SA, Nikolaeva SD, Naumova AA, Merkulyeva NS, Shenkman BS, Glazova MV. Dynamic Foot Stimulations During Short-Term Hindlimb Unloading Prevent Dysregulation of the Neurotransmission in the Hippocampus of Rats. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:1549-1561. [PMID: 32683580 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spaceflight and simulated microgravity both affect learning and memory, which are mostly controlled by the hippocampus. However, data about molecular alterations in the hippocampus in real or simulated microgravity conditions are limited. Adult Wistar rats were recruited in the experiments. Here we analyzed whether short-term simulated microgravity caused by 3-day hindlimb unloading (HU) will affect the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems of the hippocampus and how dynamic foot stimulation (DFS) to the plantar surface applied during HU can contribute in the regulation of hippocampus functioning. The results demonstrated a decreased expression of vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2 (VGLUT1/2) in the hippocampus after 3 days of HU, while glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression was not affected. HU also significantly induced Akt signaling and transcriptional factor CREB that are supposed to activate the neuroprotective mechanisms. On the other hand, DFS led to normalization of VGLUT1/2 expression and activity of Akt and CREB. Analysis of exocytosis proteins revealed the inhibition of SNAP-25, VAMP-2, and syntaxin 1 expression in DFS group proposing attenuation of excitatory neurotransmission. Thus, we revealed that short-term HU causes dysregulation of glutamatergic system of the hippocampus, but, at the same time, stimulates neuroprotective Akt-dependent mechanism. In addition, most importantly, we demonstrated positive effect of DFS on the hippocampus functioning that probably depends on the regulation of neurotransmitter exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Berezovskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey A Tyganov
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana D Nikolaeva
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Naumova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia S Merkulyeva
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris S Shenkman
- Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Margarita V Glazova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223, St.Petersburg, Russia.
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Guo YY, Zhou Y, Li YJ, Liu A, Yue J, Liu QQ, Yang L, Wu YM, Liu SB, Zhang K, Zhao MG. Scutellarin ameliorates the stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice by regulating neurotransmitters. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3936-3944. [PMID: 33856723 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a common frequently psychiatric symptom in patients that lead to disruption of daily life. Scutellarin (Scu) is the main component of Erigeron breviscapus, which has been used as a neuroprotective agent against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. However, the potential effect of Scu on the stress-related neuropsychological disorders has not been clarified. In this study, Anxiety-like behavior was induced by acute restraint stress in mice. Scu were injected intraperitoneally (twice daily, 3 days). Results showed that Scu exhibited good protective activity on mice by decreasing transmitter release levels. Restraint stress caused significant anxiety like behavior in mice. Treatment of Scu could significantly improve the moving time of open arms in Elevated Plus Maze and central time on open field test. Scu treatment suppressed action potential firing frequency, restored excessive presynaptic quantal release, and down-regulated glutamatergic receptor expression levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of stressed mice. GABAA Rα1 and GABAA γ2 expression in the brain PFC tissues of mice were nearly abrogated by Scu treatment. In stress-induced anxiety mice, stress can increase the frequency of mini excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC), which can be reversed by Scu treatment. Therefore, Scu has a potent anxiolytic activity and may be valuable for the treatment of stress-induced anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Jiao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - An Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiao Yue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qing-Qing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Mei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shui-Bing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Bliznyuk A, Hollmann M, Grossman Y. The Mechanism of NMDA Receptor Hyperexcitation in High Pressure Helium and Hyperbaric Oxygen. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1057. [PMID: 32982789 PMCID: PMC7478267 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Professional divers exposed to pressures greater than 1.1 MPa may suffer from the high pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS). Divers who use closed-circuit breathing apparatus face the risk of CNS hyperbaric oxygen toxicity (HBOTox). Both syndromes are characterized by reversible CNS hyperexcitability, accompanied by cognitive and motor deficits. Previous studies have demonstrated that the hyperexcitability of HPNS is induced mainly by NMDA receptors (NMDARs). In our recent studies, we demonstrated that the response of NMDARs containing GluN1 + GluN2A subunits was increased by up to 50% at high pressure (HP) He, whereas GluN1 + GluN2B NMDARs response was not affected under similar conditions. Our aim was to compare the responses of both types of NMDARs under HBOTox conditions to those of HP He and to reveal their possible underlying molecular mechanism(s). The two combinations of NMDARs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, placed in a pressure chamber, voltage-clamped, and their currents were tested at 0.1 (control) -0.54 MPa 100% O2 or 0.1-5.1 MPa He pressures. We show, for the first time, that NMDARs containing the GluN2A subunit exhibit increased responses in 100% O2 at a pressure of 0.54 MPa, similar to those observed in 5.1 MPa He. In contrast, the GluN1 + GluN2B response is not sensitive to either condition. We discovered that neither condition produced statistically significant changes in the voltage-dependent Mg2+ inhibition of the response. The averaged IC50 remained the same, but a higher [Mg2+] o was required to restore the current to its control value. The application of TPEN, a Zn2+ chelator, in control, HP He and HBOTox conditions, revealed that the increase in GluN1 + GluN2A current is associated with the removal of the high-affinity voltage-independent Zn2+ inhibition of the receptor. We propose that HPNS and HBOTox may share a common mechanism, namely removal of Zn2+ from its specific binding site on the N-terminal domain of the GluN2A subunit, which increases the pore input-conductance and produces larger currents and consequently a hyperexcitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bliznyuk
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Israel Naval Medical Institute, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael Hollmann
- Receptor Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yoram Grossman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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Lorigooini Z, Nouri A, Mottaghinia F, Balali-Dehkordi S, Bijad E, Dehkordi SH, Soltani A, Amini-Khoei H. Ferulic acid through mitigation of NMDA receptor pathway exerts anxiolytic-like effect in mouse model of maternal separation stress. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 32:/j/jbcpp.ahead-of-print/jbcpp-2019-0263/jbcpp-2019-0263.xml. [PMID: 32374285 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Experiencing early-life stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Ferulic acid is a phenolic compound found in some plants which has several pharmacological properties. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. In this study we aimed to assess the anxiolytic-like effect of ferulic acid in a mouse model of maternal separation (MS) stress by focusing on the possible involvement of NMDA receptors. Methods Mice were treated with ferulic acid (5 and 40 mg/kg) alone and in combination with NMDA receptor agonist/antagonist. Valid behavioral tests were performed, including open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze test (EPM), while quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate gene expression of NMDA subunits (GluN2A and GluN2B) in the hippocampus. Results Findings showed that treatment of MS mice with ferulic acid increased the time spent in the central zone of the OFT and increased both open arm time and the percent of open arm entries in the EPM. Ferulic acid reduced the expression of NMDA receptor subunit genes. We showed that administration of NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) and antagonist (ketamine) exerted anxiogenic and anxiolytic-like effects, correspondingly. Results showed that co-administration of a sub-effective dose of ferulic acid plus ketamine potentiated the anxiolytic-like effect of ferulic acid. Furthermore, co-administration of an effective dose of ferulic acid plus NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) attenuated the anxiolytic-like effect of ferulic acid. Conclusions In deduction, our findings showed that NMDA, partially at least, is involved in the anxiolytic-like effect of ferulic acid in the OFT and EPM tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Lorigooini
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ali Nouri
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Faezeh Mottaghinia
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shima Balali-Dehkordi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Bijad
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Amin Soltani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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