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Obestatin improves memory performance and causes anxiolytic effects in rats
Valeria P Carlini1, Helgi B Schiöth, Susana R Debarioglio
1Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina. vcarlini@mail.fcq.unc.edu.ar
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|December 13, 2006
Summary
Obestatin, a peptide hormone, reduces anxiety and enhances memory retention in rats. Its effects on anxiety and hunger are opposite to ghrelin, though both peptides improve memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Obestatin and ghrelin are peptide hormones derived from the same precursor, preprogrelin.
- Ghrelin is known to influence memory and anxiety.
- Obestatin's effects are often contrasted with ghrelin's, particularly concerning ingestive behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) obestatin injection in rats.
- To assess obestatin's impact on memory retention, anxiety-like behavior, and food intake.
Main Methods:
- Rats received ICV injections of obestatin.
- Memory retention was evaluated using two distinct paradigms.
- Anxiety-like behavior was assessed via the elevated plus maze test.
- Food intake was also monitored.
Main Results:
- Obestatin administration significantly increased entries and time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, indicating an anxiolytic effect.
- Obestatin enhanced latency time in a step-down test and increased novel object exploration time, suggesting improved learning and memory.
- These memory effects likely involve the hippocampus and amygdala.
Conclusions:
- Obestatin exhibits anxiolytic properties in rats.
- The peptide positively influences learning and memory processes.
- Obestatin's functional effects on anxiety and hunger are opposite to those of ghrelin, yet both peptides enhance memory retention.
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