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Tachykinin NK(3)receptor involvement in anxiety
S J Ribeiro1, R M Teixeira, J B Calixto
1Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rua Ferreira Lima, 82, Santa Catarina, 88015-420, Brazil.
Neuropeptides
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Selective NK(3)receptor agonists like senktide show anxiolytic effects in mice, while the peptide antagonist [Trp(7)beta-Ala(8)]NKA(4-10) exhibits anxiogenic properties, modulating experimental anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The tachykinin NK(3)receptor is implicated in various central nervous system functions.
- Understanding its role in anxiety modulation is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anxiolytic or anxiogenic potential of selective tachykinin NK(3)receptor agonists and antagonists.
- To assess the impact of these compounds on anxiety-related behaviors in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebroventricular administration of neurokinin B, senktide (NK(3)receptor agonists), [Trp(7)beta-Ala(8)]NKA(4-10), and SR 142801 (NK(3)receptor antagonists) in mice.
- Evaluation of behavioral responses using the elevated plus-maze test.
Main Results:
- Senktide significantly increased open arm exploration, suggesting anxiolytic effects.
- [Trp(7)beta-Ala(8)]NKA(4-10) reduced open arm exploration, indicating anxiogenic effects.
- The non-peptide antagonist SR 142801 did not significantly alter behavior, and co-administration studies confirmed the specific actions of senktide and the peptide antagonist.
Conclusions:
- Centrally administered NK(3)receptor agonists and antagonists differentially modulate experimental anxiety in mice.
- Selective NK(3)receptor modulation offers a potential avenue for targeting anxiety disorders.