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Effects of mirabegron on depression, anxiety, learning and memory in mice
Mehmet H Tanyeri1, Mehmet E Buyukokuroglu2, Pelin Tanyeri2
1Yenikent Government Hospital, Department of Urology, Cahit Kirac Street, 54290, Adapazarı, 54100, Sakarya, Turkey.
Abstract:
Mirabegron is the first b3-adrenoceptor agonist to enter clinical practice and has been approved for the treatment of symptoms of OAB. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the mirabegron has an effect on depression, anxiety, learning, and memory. We investigated the effects of mirabegron on depression, anxiety, learning and memory by using forced swimming test, elevated plus maze test, passive avoidance and Morris water maze in mice. Imipramine and mirabegron (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time in forced swimming test. Diazepam and mirabegron (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in open arms and the number of entries to the open arms in elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, cognitive performance impaired with scopolamine has been significantly improved with 9 mg/kg mirabegron. Mirabegron (6 and 9 mg/kg) significantly increased the time spent in the target quadrant in naive mice. While scopolamine significantly increased the swimming speed, mirabegron (9 mg/kg) significantly decreased the swimming speed in scopolamine-treated mice. Mirabegron might be clinically useful for the treatment of OAB in elderly patients that should use drugs against depression and anxiety, without disrupt learning and memory.
Insights
Mirabegron, a treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), shows potential for improving depression and anxiety symptoms. This study indicates mirabegron may benefit elderly OAB patients by also supporting learning and memory functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Mirabegron is the first approved b3-adrenoceptor agonist for treating overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.
- The potential impact of mirabegron on mood, learning, and memory remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mirabegron on depression, anxiety, learning, and memory in a preclinical model.
- To assess mirabegron's efficacy as a potential therapeutic agent for comorbid conditions in OAB patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilized established behavioral tests in mice: forced swimming test (depression), elevated plus maze (anxiety), passive avoidance, and Morris water maze (learning and memory).
- Administered varying doses of mirabegron (3, 6, 9 mg/kg) and compared outcomes with standard drugs (imipramine, diazepam) and a cognitive impairment agent (scopolamine).
Main Results:
- Mirabegron significantly reduced immobility in the forced swimming test, indicating antidepressant-like effects.
- Mirabegron increased open arm exploration in the elevated plus maze, suggesting anxiolytic properties.
- Mirabegron improved scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits and enhanced spatial learning in naive mice, demonstrating positive effects on learning and memory.
Conclusions:
- Mirabegron exhibits antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, alongside beneficial impacts on learning and memory.
- These findings suggest mirabegron could be a valuable treatment option for elderly OAB patients experiencing depression and anxiety, without negatively affecting cognitive functions.
