Novel galanin receptor subtype specific ligand in depression like behavior

Neurochem Res. 2013 Feb;38(2):398-404. doi: 10.1007/s11064-012-0933-8. Epub 2012 Nov 30.

Abstract

Neuropeptide galanin and its three receptors, galanin receptor type 1-galanin receptor type 3, are known to be involved in the regulation of numerous psychological processes, including depression. Studies have suggested that stimulation of galanin receptor type 2 (GalR2) leads to attenuation of the depression-like behavior in animals. However, due to the lack of highly selective galanin subtype specific ligands the involvement of different receptors in depression-like behavior is yet not fully known. In the present study we introduce a novel GalR2 selective agonist and demonstrate its ability to produce actions consistent with theorized GalR2 functions and analogous to that of the anti-depressant, imipramine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents / metabolism*
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / metabolism*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Galanin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Random Allocation
  • Receptor, Galanin, Type 2 / agonists
  • Receptor, Galanin, Type 2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Ligands
  • Receptor, Galanin, Type 2
  • Galanin