Urocortin, a novel neuropeptide with anxiogenic-like properties.
Potential anxiogenic-like properties of urocortin, a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related neuropeptide, were investigated in models of anxiety in rodents. In the elevated plus-maze, CRF- and urocortin-treated rats (0.1 nmol, i.c.v.) spent less time and made fewer entries into open arms. In the light-dark test in mice, urocortin (0.006-0.06 nmol, i.c.v.) dose-dependently reduced time and number of transitions into the lit area. Urocortin also dose-dependently (0.02-0.2 nmol, i.c.v.) reduced mice exploratory behaviour in an open field. This effect was reversed by diazepam (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p) and by the CRF receptor antagonist alpha-helical CRF (0.8-8 nmole, i.c.v.). These data show that urocortin produces anxiety-like effects in several behavioural paradigms in rodents.
Moreau
J L
JL
Pharma Division, Preclinical CNS Research, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
Kilpatrick
G
G
Jenck
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D054832:Urocortins
D054832:Urocortins; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone