Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of new phenylpiperazine derivative LQFM005 and its hydroxylated metabolite in mice.

The current treatments available for anxiety and depression are only palliative. Full remission has remained elusive, characterizing unmet medical needs. In the scope of an academic drug discovery program, we describe here the design, synthesis, in vitro metabolism prediction and pharmacological characterization of a new piperazine compound, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-((1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazine (LQFM005), and of its main putative metabolite, 4-(4-((4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)- 1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenol (LQFM235). The production of the metabolite was initially performed by in vitro biotransformation of LQFM005 using Aspergillus candidus and then by chemical synthesis. Oral administration of either 12 or 24 µmol/kg LQFM005 to mice did not affect spontaneous locomotor activity but increased the time spent in the center of the open field. Both LQFM005 and LQFM235 (24 µmol/kg) increased the time spent by the mice in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM), a good indication of anxiolytic-like effect, and decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST), suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. The previous administration of WAY-100635 (a 5-HT1A antagonist) abolished the effects of LQFM005 in both EPM and FST. Binding experiments showed that LQFM005 and its metabolite bind to the 5-HT1A receptor with a moderate affinity (Ki around 5-9 µM). The two compounds are relatively safe, as indicated by cytotoxic assessment using the 3T3 fibroblast cell line and estimated LD50 around 600 mg/kg. In conclusion, oral administration of the newly synthesized phenylpiperazines produced anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in behavioral tests, putatively in part through the activation of 5-HT1A receptors.

The KRASG12C Inhibitor MRTX849 Reconditions the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Sensitizes Tumors to Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.

KRASG12C inhibitors, including MRTX849, are promising treatment options for KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PD-1 inhibitors are approved in NSCLC; however, strategies to enhance checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CIT) are needed. KRASG12C mutations are smoking-associated transversion mutations associated with high tumor mutation burden, PD-L1 positivity, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To evaluate the potential of MRTX849 to augment CIT, its impact on immune signaling and response to CIT was evaluated. In human tumor xenograft models, MRTX849 increased MHC class I protein expression and decreased RNA and/or plasma protein levels of immunosuppressive factors. In a KrasG12C -mutant CT26 syngeneic mouse model, MRTX849 decreased intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cells and increased M1-polarized macrophages, dendritic cells, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells. Similar results were observed in lung KrasG12C -mutant syngeneic and a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model. In the CT26 KrasG12C model, MRTX849 demonstrated marked tumor regression when tumors were established in immune-competent BALB/c mice; however, the effect was diminished when tumors were grown in T-cell-deficient nu/nu mice. Tumors progressed following anti-PD-1 or MRTX849 single-agent treatment in immune-competent mice; however, combination treatment demonstrated durable, complete responses (CRs). Tumors did not reestablish in the same mice that exhibited durable CRs when rechallenged with tumor cell inoculum, demonstrating these mice developed adaptive antitumor immunity. In a GEM model, treatment with MRTX849 plus anti-PD-1 led to increased progression-free survival compared with either single agent alone. These data demonstrate KRAS inhibition reverses an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and sensitizes tumors to CIT through multiple mechanisms.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the synthetic opioid MT-45.

MT-45 is a synthetic opioid that was developed in the 1970s as an analgesic compound. However, in recent years MT-45 has been associated with multiple deaths in Europe and has been included in the class of novel psychoactive substances known as novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). Little is known about the pharmaco-toxicological effects of MT-45. Therefore, we used a dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay to investigate the pharmacodynamic profile of this NSO in vitro compared with morphine. We then used in vivo studies to investigate the effect of the acute systemic administration of MT-45 (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on motor and sensorimotor (visual, acoustic and tactile) responses, mechanical and thermal analgesia, muscle strength and body temperature in CD-1 male mice. Higher doses of MT-45 (6-30 mg/kg i.p.) were used to investigate cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2 saturation and pulse distention). All effects of MT-45 were compared with those of morphine. In vitro DMR assay results demonstrated that at human recombinant opioid receptors MT-45 behaves as a potent selective mu agonist with a slightly higher efficacy than morphine. In vivo results showed that MT-45 progressively induces tail elevation at the lowest dose tested (0.01 mg/kg), increased mechanical and thermal antinociception (starting from 1 to 6 mg/kg), decreased visual sensorimotor responses (starting from 3 to 6 mg/kg) and reduced tactile responses, modulated motor performance and induced muscle rigidity at higher doses (15 mg/kg). In addition, at higher doses (15-30 mg/kg) MT-45 impaired the cardiorespiratory functions. All effects were prevented by the administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These findings reveal the risks associated with the ingestion of opioids and the importance of studying these drugs and undertaking more clinical studies of the current molecules to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity.

Energy-stress-mediated AMPK activation inhibits ferroptosis.

Energy stress depletes ATP and induces cell death. Here we identify an unexpected inhibitory role of energy stress on ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. We found that ferroptotic cell death and lipid peroxidation can be inhibited by treatments that induce or mimic energy stress. Inactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a sensor of cellular energy status, largely abolishes the protective effects of energy stress on ferroptosis in vitro and on ferroptosis-associated renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury in vivo. Cancer cells with high basal AMPK activation are resistant to ferroptosis and AMPK inactivation sensitizes these cells to ferroptosis. Functional and lipidomic analyses further link AMPK regulation of ferroptosis to AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Our study demonstrates that energy stress inhibits ferroptosis partly through AMPK and reveals an unexpected coupling between ferroptosis and AMPK-mediated energy-stress signalling.

Differential cell death decisions in the testis: evidence for an exclusive window of ferroptosis in round spermatids.

Oxidative stress is a major aetiology in many pathologies, including that of male infertility. Recent evidence in somatic cells has linked oxidative stress to the induction of a novel cell death modality termed ferroptosis. However, the induction of this iron-regulated, caspase-independent cell death pathway has never been explored outside of the soma. Ferroptosis is initiated through the inactivation of the lipid repair enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and is exacerbated by the activity of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), a lipoxygenase enzyme that facilitates lipid degradation. Here, we demonstrate that male germ cells of the mouse exhibit hallmarks of ferroptosis including; a caspase-independent decline in viability following exposure to oxidative stress conditions induced by the electrophile 4-hydroxynonenal or the ferroptosis activators (erastin and RSL3), as well as a reciprocal upregulation of ALOX15 and down regulation of GPX4 protein expression. Moreover, the round spermatid developmental stage may be sensitized to ferroptosis via the action of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), which modifies membrane lipid composition in a manner favourable to lipid peroxidation. This work provides a clear impetus to explore the contribution of ferroptosis to the demise of germline cells during periods of acute stress in in vivo models.

Role of 5-HT2C receptors of the dorsal hippocampus in the modulation of anxiety- and panic-related defensive responses in rats.

The role of 5-HT2C receptors (5-HT2CRs) in the regulation of anxiety has been widely acknowledged. However, conflicting results have been reported on whether stimulation of these receptors increases or decreases anxiety. We here investigated the role of 5-HT2CRs of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) in the mediation of anxiety- or panic-associated defensive behaviors and in the anxiolytic effect of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine. In the Vogel conflict test, administration of the mixed 5-HT2CR agonist mCPP into the DH of male Wistar rats was anxiogenic, whereas infusions of the more selective agonists MK-212 and RO-600175 were anxiolytic. The 5-HT2CR antagonist SB-242084, on the other hand, was anxiogenic. A sub-effective dose of this antagonist blocked the anxiolytic effect of RO-600175, but not the increase in anxiety observed with mCPP, indicating that the latter effect was not due to 5-HT2CR activation. In full agreement with these findings, MK-212 and RO-600175 in the DH also inhibited inhibitory avoidance acquisition in the elevated T-maze, whereas SB-242084 caused the opposite effect. None of these drugs interfered with escape expression in this test, which has been associated with panic. Chronic administration of imipramine (15 mg/kg, ip, 21 days) caused an anxiolytic effect in the elevated T-maze and light-dark transition tests, which was not blocked by previous infusion of SB-242084 into the DH. Therefore, facilitation of 5-HT2CR-mediated neurotransmission in the DH decreases the expression of anxiety-, but not panic-related defensive behaviors. This mechanism, however, is not involved in the anxiolytic effect caused by imipramine.

A pre-therapeutic coating for medical devices that prevents the attachment of Candida albicans.

BACKGROUND: Hospital acquired fungal infections are defined as "never events"-medical errors that should never have happened. Systemic Candida albicans infections results in 30-50% mortality rates. Typically, adhesion to abiotic medical devices and implants initiates such infections. Efficient adhesion initiates formation of aggressive biofilms that are difficult to treat. Therefore, inhibitors of adhesion are important for drug development and likely to have a broad spectrum efficacy against many fungal pathogens. In this study we further the development of a small molecule, Filastatin, capable of preventing C. albicans adhesion. We explored the potential of Filastatin as a pre-therapeutic coating of a diverse range of biomaterials. METHODS: Filastatin was applied on various biomaterials, specifically bioactive glass (cochlear implants, subcutaneous drug delivery devices and prosthetics); silicone (catheters and other implanted devices) and dental resin (dentures and dental implants). Adhesion to biomaterials was evaluated by direct visualization of wild type C. albicans or a non-adherent mutant edt1 -/- that were stained or fluorescently tagged. Strains grown overnight at 30 °C were harvested, allowed to attach to surfaces for 4 h and washed prior to visualization. The adhesion force of C. albicans cells attached to surfaces treated with Filastatin was measured using Atomic Force Microscopy. Effectiveness of Filastatin was also demonstrated under dynamic conditions using a flow cell bioreactor. The effect of Filastatin under microfluidic flow conditions was quantified using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experiments were typically performed in triplicate. RESULTS: Treatment with Filastatin significantly inhibited the ability of C. albicans to adhere to bioactive glass (by 99.06%), silicone (by 77.27%), and dental resin (by 60.43%). Atomic force microcopy indicated that treatment with Filastatin decreased the adhesion force of C. albicans from 0.23 to 0.017 nN. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in a microfluidic device that mimic physiological flow conditions in vivo showed lower impedance for C. albicans when treated with Filastatin as compared to untreated control cells, suggesting decreased attachment. The anti-adhesive properties were maintained when Filastatin was included in the preparation of silicone materials. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that Filastatin treated medical devices prevented adhesion of Candida, thereby reducing nosocomial infections.

Pre-clinical validation of a selective anti-cancer stem cell therapy for Numb-deficient human breast cancers.

The cell fate determinant Numb is frequently downregulated in human breast cancers (BCs), resulting in p53 inactivation and an aggressive disease course. In the mouse mammary gland, Numb/p53 downregulation leads to aberrant tissue morphogenesis, expansion of the stem cell compartment, and emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Strikingly, CSC phenotypes in a Numb-knockout mouse model can be reverted by Numb/p53 restoration. Thus, targeting Numb/p53 dysfunction in Numb-deficient human BCs could represent a novel anti-CSC therapy. Here, using patient-derived xenografts, we show that expansion of the CSC pool, due to altered self-renewing divisions, is also a feature of Numb-deficient human BCs. In these cancers, using the inhibitor Nutlin-3 to restore p53, we corrected the defective self-renewal properties of Numb-deficient CSCs and inhibited CSC expansion, with a marked effect on tumorigenicity and metastasis. Remarkably, a regimen combining Nutlin-3 and chemotherapy induced persistent tumor growth inhibition, or even regression, and prevented CSC-driven tumor relapse after removal of chemotherapy. Our data provide a pre-clinical proof-of-concept that targeting Numb/p53 results in a specific anti-CSC therapy in human BCs.

The role of 5-HT2c receptor on corticosterone-mediated food intake.

Corticosterone plays an important role in feeding behavior. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of corticosterone on feeding behavior. In this study, cumulative food intake was increased by acute corticosterone administration in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of the 5-HT2c receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazin (mCPP) reversed the effect of corticosterone on food intake. The anorectic effects of mCPP were also blocked by the 5-HT2c receptor antagonist RS102221 in corticosterone-treated mice. Both corticosterone and mCPP increased c-Fos expression in hypothalamic nuclei, but not the nucleus of the solitary tract. RS102221 inhibited c-Fos expression induced by mCPP, but not corticosterone. In addition, mCPP had little effect on TH and POMC levels in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, mCPP antagonized decreasing effect of the leptin produced by corticosterone. Taken together, our findings suggest that 5-HT2c receptors and leptin may be involved in the effects of corticosterone-induced hyperphagia.

CISD1 inhibits ferroptosis by protection against mitochondrial lipid peroxidation.

Ferroptosis is a form of non-apoptotic cell death originally identified in cancer cells. However, the key regulator of ferroptosis in mitochondria remains unknown. Here, we show that CDGSH iron sulfur domain 1 (CISD1, also termed mitoNEET), an iron-containing outer mitochondrial membrane protein, negatively regulates ferroptotic cancer cell death. The classical ferroptosis inducer erastin promotes CISD1 expression in an iron-dependent manner in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., HepG2 and Hep3B). Genetic inhibition of CISD1 increased iron-mediated intramitochondrial lipid peroxidation, which contributes to erastin-induced ferroptosis. In contrast, stabilization of the iron sulfur cluster of CISD1 by pioglitazone inhibits mitochondrial iron uptake, lipid peroxidation, and subsequent ferroptosis. These findings indicate a novel role of CISD1 in protecting against mitochondrial injury in ferroptosis.

Identification of flubendazole as potential anti-neuroblastoma compound in a large cell line screen.

Flubendazole was shown to exert anti-leukaemia and anti-myeloma activity through inhibition of microtubule function. Here, flubendazole was tested for its effects on the viability of in total 461 cancer cell lines. Neuroblastoma was identified as highly flubendazole-sensitive cancer entity in a screen of 321 cell lines from 26 cancer entities. Flubendazole also reduced the viability of five primary neuroblastoma samples in nanomolar concentrations thought to be achievable in humans and inhibited vessel formation and neuroblastoma tumour growth in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Resistance acquisition is a major problem in high-risk neuroblastoma. 119 cell lines from a panel of 140 neuroblastoma cell lines with acquired resistance to various anti-cancer drugs were sensitive to flubendazole in nanomolar concentrations. Tubulin-binding agent-resistant cell lines displayed the highest flubendazole IC50 and IC90 values but differences between drug classes did not reach statistical significance. Flubendazole induced p53-mediated apoptosis. The siRNA-mediated depletion of the p53 targets p21, BAX, or PUMA reduced the neuroblastoma cell sensitivity to flubendazole with PUMA depletion resulting in the most pronounced effects. The MDM2 inhibitor and p53 activator nutlin-3 increased flubendazole efficacy while RNAi-mediated p53-depletion reduced its activity. In conclusion, flubendazole represents a potential treatment option for neuroblastoma including therapy-refractory cells.

Metoprolol and diltiazem ameliorate ziprasidone-induced prolonged corrected QT interval in rats.

Ziprasidone, an atypical antipsychotic agent, has been shown to increase the corrected QT (QTc) interval in some patients. The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of metoprolol and diltiazem on ziprasidone drug-induced prolonged QTc interval. A total of 24 rats were equally divided into the following four groups: the first group was used as the control and received 1 mL/kg saline; 3 mg/kg ziprasidone and saline were administered to the second group; 3 mg/kg ziprasidone and 1 mg/kg metoprolol were administered to the third group and 3 mg/kg ziprasidone and 2 mg/kg diltiazem were administered to the fourth group. Two hours following application of the drugs, the QTc was calculated by performing electrocardiography in derivation (D)I. The duration of QTc interval was compared among the four groups. The mean QTc intervals were significantly increased in the third and fourth groups compared with the second group (p < 0.0005 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The study demonstrated the effectiveness of metoprolol and diltiazem in the prevention of ziprasidone-induced elongation in the QTc interval. Both metoprolol and diltiazem may be considered in the prophylactic therapy of high-risk patients who are using ziprasidone.

Resistance to daunorubicin, imatinib, or nilotinib depends on expression levels of ABCB1 and ABCG2 in human leukemia cells.

The effect of ABCB1 (P-gp, (P-glycoprotein), MDR1) and ABCG2 (BCRP1, (breast cancer resistance protein 1)) expressions on cell resistance to daunorubicin (DRN), imatinib, and nilotinib was studied in human leukemia cells. We used a set of cells derived from a parental K562 cell line, expressing various levels of ABCB1 and ABCG2, respectively. The function of ABCB1 and ABCG2 was confirmed using calcein AM and pheophorbide A accumulation assays, respectively. These assays indicated distinct differences in activities of ABCB1 and ABCG2 which corresponded to their expression levels. We observed that the resistance to DRN and imatinib was proportional to the expression level of ABCB1. Similarly, the resistance to nilotinib and imatinib was proportional to the expression level of ABCG2. Importantly, K562/DoxDR05 and K562/ABCG2-Z cells with the lowest expressions of ABCB1 and ABCG2, respectively, failed to reduce the intracellular levels of imatinib to provide a significant resistance to this drug. However, the K562/DoxDR05 and K562/ABCG2-Z cells significantly decreased the intracellular levels of DRN and nilotinib, respectively, thereby mediating significant resistances to these drugs. Only cells which expression of ABCB1 or ABCG2 exceeded a certain level exhibited a significantly decreased intracellular level of imatinib, and this effect was accompanied by a significantly increased resistance to this drug. Our results clearly indicated that resistance to anticancer drugs mediated by main ABC transporters, ABCB1 and ABCG2, strongly depends on their expressions at protein levels. Importantly, resistance for one drug might be maintained while resistance for other ones might become undetectable at low transporter expression levels.

SEA antagonizes the imatinib-meditated inhibitory effects on T cell activation via the TCR signaling pathway.

The BCR-ABL kinase inhibitor imatinib is highly effective in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, long-term imatinib treatment induces immunosuppression, which is mainly due to T cell dysfunction. Imatinib can reduce TCR-triggered T cell activation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of tyrosine kinases such as Lck, ZAP70, LAT, and PLC γ 1 early in the TCR signaling pathway. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the superantigen SEA, a potent T cell stimulator, can block the immunosuppressive effects of imatinib on T cells. Our data show that the exposure of primary human T cells and Jurkat cells to SEA for 24 h leads to the upregulation of the Lck and ZAP70 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. T cells treated with SEA prior to TCR binding had increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of Lck, ZAP70, and PLC γ 1. Pretreatment with SEA prevents the inhibitory effects of imatinib on TCR signaling, which leads to T cell proliferation and IL-2 production. It is conceivable that SEA antagonizes the imatinib-mediated inhibition of T cell activation and proliferation through the TCR signaling pathway.

Antagonism of the adenosine A2A receptor attenuates akathisia-like behavior induced with MP-10 or aripiprazole in a novel non-human primate model.

Akathisia is a subset of the larger antipsychotic side effect profile known as extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS). It is associated with antipsychotic treatment and is characterized as a feeling of inner restlessness that results in a compulsion to move. There are currently no primate models available to assess drug-induced akathisia; the present research was designed to address this shortcoming. We developed a novel rating scale based on both the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) and the Hillside Akathisia Scale (HAS) to measure the objective, observable incidence of antipsychotic-induced akathisia-like behavior in Cebus apella non-human primates (NHPs). To induce akathisia, we administered the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole (1 mg/kg) or the selective phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitor MP-10 (1-3 mg/kg). Treatment with both compounds produced significantly greater akathisia scores on the rating scale than vehicle treatment. Characteristic behaviors observed included vocalizations, stereotypies, teeth grinding, restless limb movements, and hyperlocomotion. Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists have previously been shown to be effective in blocking antipsychotic-induced EPS in primates. The selective A2A receptor antagonist, SCH 412348 (10-30 mg/kg), effectively reduced or reversed akathisia-like behavior induced by both aripiprazole and MP-10. This work represents the first NHP measurement scale of akathisia and demonstrates that NHPs are responsive to akathisia-inducing agents. As such, it provides a useful tool for the preclinical assessment of putative antipsychotics. In addition, these results provide further evidence of the utility of A2A receptor antagonists for the treatment of antipsychotic-induced movement disorders.

The effect of apigenin on pharmacokinetics of imatinib and its metabolite N-desmethyl imatinib in rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of apigenin on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib in rats. Healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: A group (the control group), B group (the long-term administration of 165 mg/kg apigenin for 15 days), C group (a single dose of 165 mg/kg apigenin), and D group (a single dose of 252 mg/kg apigenin). The serum concentrations of imatinib and N-desmethyl imatinib were measured by HPLC, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS 3.0 software. The parameters of AUC(0-t), AUC(0-∞), Tmax, V(z)/F, and CL(z)/F for imatinib in group B were different from those in group A (P < 0.05). Besides, MRT(0-t) and MRT(0-∞) in groups C and D differed distinctly from those in group A as well. The parameters of AUC(0-t) and Cmax for N-desmethyl imatinib in group C were significantly lower than those in group A (P < 0.05); however, compared with groups B and D, the magnitude of effect was modest. Those results indicated that apigenin in the short-term study inhibited the metabolism of imatinib and its metabolite N-desmethyl imatinib, while in the long-term study the metabolism could be accelerated.

A selective antagonist reveals a potential role of G protein-coupled receptor 55 in platelet and endothelial cell function.

The G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) receptor that is also responsive to certain cannabinoids. Although GPR55 has been implicated in several (patho)physiologic functions, its role remains enigmatic owing mainly to the lack of selective GPR55 antagonists. Here we show that the compound CID16020046 ((4-[4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-methylphenyl)-6-oxo-1H,4H,5H,6H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazol-5-yl] benzoic acid) is a selective GPR55 antagonist. In yeast cells expressing human GPR55, CID16020046 antagonized agonist-induced receptor activation. In human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells stably expressing human GPR55, the compound behaved as an antagonist on LPI-mediated Ca²âº release and extracellular signal-regulated kinases activation, but not in HEK293 cells expressing cannabinoid receptor 1 or 2 (CB1 or CB2). CID16020046 concentration dependently inhibited LPI-induced activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), nuclear factor κ of activated B cells (NF-κB) and serum response element, translocation of NFAT and NF-κB, and GPR55 internalization. It reduced LPI-induced wound healing in primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells and reversed LPI-inhibited platelet aggregation, suggesting a novel role for GPR55 in platelet and endothelial cell function. CID16020046 is therefore a valuable tool to study GPR55-mediated mechanisms in primary cells and tissues.

Ziprasidone ameliorates anxiety-like behaviors in a rat model of PTSD and up-regulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus and hippocampus-derived neural stem cells.

Ziprasidone, a widely used atypical antipsychotic drug, has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. One possible explanation is that the neuroprotective and neurogenetic actions of ziprasidone can attenuate the neuronal apoptosis which occurs in the hippocampus. To test this hypothesis, the present study was designed to assess the effects of ziprasidone treatment on anxiety-like behaviors, hippocampal neurogenesis, and in vivo/in vitro expression of pERK1/2 and Bcl-2 in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The methodology involved 3 different experiments, and the investigations also included the assessment of U0126 interference in ziprasidone treatment. It was found that the in vivo, administration of ziprasidone not only reversed the anxiety-like behaviors in rats that exposed to an enhanced single prolonged stress paradigm, but also restored the proliferation and the protein expression of pERK1/2 and Bcl-2 in the hippocampus of these rats. Also, mild concentrations of ziprasidone promoted the in vitro proliferation of hippocampal-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and increased the levels of pERK1/2 and Bcl-2 in NSCs. Interestingly, the observed effects of ziprasidone were inhibited by U0126. These data support the use of ziprasidone for the treatment of PTSD and indicate that the changes in the ERK1/2 signaling cascade may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of PTSD and its treatment modalities. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the detailed signal cascades involved in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders, and confirm the efficacy of ziprasidone in anti-PTSD treatment.

Activation of 5-HT(2C) receptors in the dorsal periaqueductal gray increases antinociception in mice exposed to the elevated plus-maze.

Several findings have pointed to the role of the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) serotonin 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A-C) receptor subtypes in the modulation of defensive behavior in animals exposed to the elevated plus-maze (EPM). Besides displaying anxiety-like behavior, rodents also exhibit antinociception in the EPM. This study investigated the effects of intra-dPAG injections of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor ligands on EPM-induced antinociception in mice. Male Swiss mice received 0.1 µl intra-dPAG injections of vehicle, 5.6 and 10 nmol of 8-OHDPAT, a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (Experiment 1), or 0.01, 0.03 and 0.1 nmol of mCPP, a 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor agonist (Experiment 2). Five minutes later, each mouse received an intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid (0.1 ml/10 g body weight; nociceptive stimulus) and was individually confined in the open (OA) or enclosed (EA) arms of the EPM for 5 min, during which the number of abdominal writhes induced by the acetic acid was recorded. While intra-dPAG injection of 8-OHDPAT did not change open-arm antinociception (OAA), mCPP (0.01 nmol) enhanced it. Combined injections of ketanserin (10 nmol/0.1 µl), a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist, and 0.01 nmol of mCPP (Experiment 3), selectively and completely blocked the OAA enhancement induced by mCPP. Although intra-dPAG injection of mCPP (0.01 nmol) also produced antinociception in EA-confined mice (Experiment 2), this effect was not confirmed in Experiment 3. Moreover, no other compound changed the nociceptive response in EA-confined animals. These results suggest that the 5-HT(2C) receptors located within the PAG play a role in this type of environmentally induced pain inhibition in mice.