Kamishoyosan reduces anxiety-like behavior by modulating GABAA receptor subunit expression in a premenstrual syndrome rat model
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Published on: October 27, 2020
Shiori Harada-Nitta1, Keisuke Ogura1, Kunihiro Konno2
1TSUMURA Kampo Research Laboratories, TSUMURA & CO., Ibaraki, Japan.
Introduction:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) involve psychological symptoms that impact women's quality of life. PMS pathogenesis is characterized by fluctuations in steroid hormones and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) subunits. Kamishoyosan (KSS) is a Kampo medicine typically used to treat menstrual-related symptoms. This study aimed to elucidate the anxiolytic effect of KSS and its underlying mechanisms in a progesterone withdrawal (PWD)-induced PMS rat model.
Methods:
KSS was administered via feed mixing, and elevated plus maze test and molecular biological analysis were conducted.
Results:
PWD rats showed increased anxiety-like behavior and expression of GABAAR α4 and δ subunits mRNA in the hippocampal CA1 region, suggesting that decreased inhibitory GABA synaptic signaling contributes to anxiety-like behavior. KSS administration reduced anxiety-like behavior and the expression of GABAAR α4 and δ subunits, but no significant effect was observed on steroid hormone levels.
Discussion:
These findings suggest that KSS exerts anxiolytic effects by reversing changes in α4 and δ subunit expression without affecting steroid hormone fluctuations. The different mechanism of action of KSS compared with GABAAR agonists may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for PMS.
