Interactions between the nitrergic and the endocannabinoid system in rats exposed to the elevated T-maze

Author(s)

Batista, Luara Augusta ^[1] ; de Araujo Moreira, Fabricio ^[1] ; de Aguiar, Daniele Cristina ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Biol Sci, Dept Pharmacol, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA; v. 33, n. 4, p. 206-210, AUG 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and activation of CB1 receptors have opposite effects in a behavioural animal model of panic and anxiety. Methods: To test the hypothesis, male Wistar rats were exposed to the elevated T-maze (ETM) model under the following treatments: L-Arginine (L-Arg) was administered before treatment with WIN55,212-2, a CB1 receptor agonist; AM251, a CB1 antagonist, was administered before treatment with L-Arg. All treatments were by intraperitoneal route. Results: The CB1 receptor agonist, WIN55,212-2 (1 mg/kg), induced an anxiolytic-like effect, which was prevented by pretreatment with an ineffective dose of L-Arg (1 mg/kg). Administration of AM251 (1 mg/kg), a CB1 antagonist before treatment with L-Arg (1 mg/kg) did not produce anxiogenic-like responses. Conclusion: Altogether, this study suggests that the anxiolytic-like effect of cannabinoids may occur through modulation of NO signalling. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/24304-0 - New perspectives in the use of drugs that modify atypical neurotransmitters in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
• Grantee: Francisco Silveira Guimaraes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants