Ionotropic glutamate-receptor antagonists inhibit the aversive effects of nitric oxide donor injected into the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray of rats

Author(s)

Moreira, Fabricio de Araújo ^[1] ; Molchanov, Moriana Ludmilla ; Guimarães, Francisco Silveira

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto. Departamento de Farmacologia - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Psychopharmacology; v. 171, n. 2, p. 199-203, Jan. 2004.
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology

Abstract

Rationale Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas neurotransmitter that may facilitate glutamate release in the central nervous system. NO donors or glutamate agonists injected into the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey (dlPAG) induce flight behaviour. Objectives To test the hypothesis that the defensive reactions induced by an NO donor in the dlPAG would be attenuated by pretreatment with AMPA/kainate or NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists.Methods Male Wistar rats with cannulae aimed at the dlPAG received vehicle, AP7 (a NMDA receptor antagonist, 2 nmol) or NBQX (an AMPA/kainite receptor antagonist, 100 nmol) injection 10 min before the administration of SIN-1 (an NO donor, 300 nmol). Immediately after the last injection, their behavior was observed in an open arena during 10 min. Results SIN-1 induced flight reactions characterized by running and jumps. Pretreatment with AP7 or NBQX completely prevented the effects of SIN-1. Conclusion The results suggest that the aversive reactions induced by an NO donor in the dlPAG depend on ionotropic glutamate receptor activation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 02/13197-2 - Participation of glutamate and nitric oxide on the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatry disorders
• Grantee: Francisco Silveira Guimaraes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants