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NOP Ligands for the Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Elaine C Gavioli1, Victor A D Holanda2, Chiara Ruzza3

  • 1Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil. egavioli@hotmail.com.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|December 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOP) and its ligands show promise for treating anxiety and mood disorders. NOP agonists reduce anxiety, while antagonists show antidepressant effects in preclinical models.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its receptor (NOP) are implicated in regulating mood and anxiety.
  • Preclinical evidence suggests NOP receptor activity influences anxiety- and depression-like behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key findings on NOP receptor ligands in modulating anxiety and mood disorders.
  • To discuss the potential mechanisms of action for NOP receptor modulation in these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies investigating NOP receptor agonists and antagonists.
  • Analysis of genetic studies involving NOP receptor knockout mice.
  • Behavioral assessments in rodent models of anxiety and depression.

Main Results:

  • NOP receptor activation by agonists produces anxiolytic-like effects in rodents.
  • NOP receptor blockade by antagonists promotes antidepressant-like effects.
  • Genetic deletion of NOP receptors results in an antidepressant-like phenotype, with NOP antagonists showing no effect.

Conclusions:

  • NOP receptor signaling plays a significant role in the neurobiology of anxiety and mood disorders.
  • Targeting the NOP receptor with specific ligands offers a potential therapeutic strategy for these conditions.
  • Further research into NOP receptor mechanisms is warranted for drug development.
Keywords:
Animal behaviorAnxietyDepressionNOP receptorNociceptin/orphanin FQStress

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