Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior
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Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. · May 2014
The VGF-derived peptide TLQP62 produces antidepressant-like effects in mice via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.
Recent studies demonstrate that the neuropeptide VGF (nonacronymic)-derived peptide is regulated in the hippocampus by antidepressant therapies. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling, and monoamine transmitter pathways mediate the behavioral effects of antidepressants, but it is not known if these pathways also contribute to the antidepressant-like effects of VGF-derived peptide TLQP62. Here the antidepressant-like effects of TLQP62 were evaluated by measuring immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests (FST and TST) following acute microinjection of the TLQP62 (0.25, 0.5 and 1 nmol/side) into the hippocampal CA1 regions. ⋯ Moreover, our study was also to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of TLQP62 (50, 250 and 500 nmol/kg; i.p.) on depression-related behaviors in comparison with fluoxetine (10mg/kg; i.p.). While TLQP62 and fluoxetine showed similar antidepressant-like behavioral effects in the FST of mice. Our present results strongly suggest that activation of BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling may be involved in the antidepressant-like effects of TLQP62.
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Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. · May 2014
Endothelin receptor type B agonist, IRL-1620, prevents beta amyloid (Aβ) induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in normal and diabetic rats.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder leading to impairment of learning and memory. Amyloid β (Aβ) induced oxidative stress has been implicated in the initiation and progression of AD. Endothelin (ET) and its receptors have been considered as therapeutic targets for AD. ⋯ BQ788 treatment completely blocked IRL-1620 induced reduction in oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. Results of the present study demonstrate that IRL-1620 improved both acquisition (learning) and retention (memory) on water maze task and reduced oxidative stress parameters. It can be speculated that ETB receptor stimulation prevents cognitive impairment and may be useful in neurodegenerative diseases.