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Enkephalin and other peptides reduce passiveness
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Brain peptides like enkephalins show antidepressant potential. Studies indicate these peptides can reduce immobility in animal models, suggesting therapeutic use for CNS disorders and mental depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Brain peptides, including enkephalins, have demonstrated activity in animal models of mental depression.
- Tricyclic antidepressants are effective in a passive immobility swimming model, suggesting its utility for studying CNS-active compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various naturally occurring peptides and their analogues on animal behavior in a validated model of depression.
- To explore the potential of peripheral administration of brain peptides for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a passive immobility swimming test, a model sensitive to antidepressants, to assess peptide activity.
- Administered several enkephalins, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and MIF-I (macronutrient interaction factor-I) and their analogues peripherally.
- Quantified changes in swimming activity as a measure of antidepressant-like effects.
Main Results:
- Certain enkephalins, lacking peripheral opiate activity, significantly reduced immobility, increasing swimming behavior in rats.
- alpha-MSH demonstrated increased swimming activity, unlike its core or analogue fragments.
- A smaller dose of MIF-I proved more effective than larger doses, consistent with previous findings.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the concept of central nervous system (CNS) actions for brain peptides.
- Enkephalins and potentially other peptides may hold therapeutic promise for mental depression and other CNS disorders when administered peripherally.