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A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices
Published on: August 11, 2021
CART Peptides Regulate Psychostimulants and May be Endogenous Antidepressants
M O Job1, I M McNamara, M J Kuhar
1Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329, USA.
Current Neuropharmacology
|September 3, 2011
Summary
Cocaine-and-amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides influence physiological functions. CART peptides may act as endogenous antidepressants, potentially alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are endogenous neurotransmitters with diverse physiological roles.
- Previous research indicates CART peptides modulate responses to psychostimulants like cocaine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CART peptides in anxiety and depression.
- To explore the potential of CART peptides as endogenous antidepressants.
Main Methods:
- Administration of CART 55-102 peptide into the nucleus accumbens in animal models.
- Analysis of locomotor and rewarding effects of cocaine when co-administered with CART peptides.
- Examination of human genetic studies linking CART gene mutations to mood disorders.
- Review of animal studies investigating CART peptide mechanisms in anxiety and depression.
Main Results:
- Intranucleus accumbens injection of CART 55-102 alone had no effect.
- Co-administration of CART 55-102 with cocaine attenuated cocaine's locomotor and rewarding effects.
- Human subjects with a CART gene missense mutation showed increased anxiety and depression.
- Animal studies corroborated the involvement of CART in anxiety and depression.
Conclusions:
- CART peptides play a significant role in modulating anxiety and depression.
- CART peptides show potential as endogenous antidepressants, offering therapeutic implications for mood disorders.
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