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Subsensitivity to substance P in SART-stressed mice
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kinki University, Higashi-Osaka, Japan.
Japanese Journal of Pharmacology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Repeated cold stress, or SART stress, in mice reduced behavioral sensitivity to substance P (SP). However, SP receptor affinity was unchanged, suggesting altered receptor numbers may explain this subsensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Stress Research
Background:
- Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide involved in pain and stress responses.
- Stress can alter the neurochemical systems that mediate SP's effects.
- The impact of repeated cold stress on SP sensitivity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of SART (repeated cold) stress on the behavioral sensitivity to intrathecal substance P in mice.
- To determine if stress alters the efficacy or potency of SP.
- To explore potential changes in SP receptor function.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to a SART stress protocol (repeated cold exposure).
- Behavioral responses to intrathecal administration of SP were assessed.
- The 50% effective dose (ED50) for SP and the antagonistic effect of a SP antagonist were determined.
Main Results:
- SART-stressed mice exhibited reduced behavioral responses to intrathecal SP compared to non-stressed controls.
- No significant difference was observed in the ED50 of SP between the stressed and non-stressed groups.
- The antagonistic effect of [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]-substance P against SP remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- SART-stressed mice display subsensitivity to exogenous SP.
- The findings suggest that repeated cold stress may alter the number of SP receptors, rather than their affinity.
- This highlights a potential mechanism by which stress impacts neurochemical signaling pathways.