title: Behavioral effects of neuropeptides in rodent models of depression and anxiety.
abstract: In recent years, studies have advocated neuropeptide systems as modulators for the behavioral states found in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Neuropeptides have been tested in traditional animal models and screening procedures that have been validated by known antidepressants and anxiolytics. However, it has become clear that although these tests are very useful, neuropeptides have distinct behavioral effects and dose-dependent characteristics, and therefore, use of these tests with neuropeptides must be done with an understanding of their unique characteristics. This review will focus on the behavioral actions of neuropeptides and their synthetic analogs, particularly in studies utilizing various preclinical tests of depression and anxiety. Specifically, the following neuropeptide systems will be reviewed: corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), urocortin (Ucn), teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), arginine vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin, the Tyr-MIF-1 family, cholecystokinin (CCK), galanin, and substance P. These neuropeptide systems each have a unique role in the regulation of stress-like behavior, and therefore provide intriguing therapeutic targets for mood disorder treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rotzinger
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lovejoy
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002766:Cholecystokinin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019004:Galanin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009075:MSH Release-Inhibiting Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012919:Social Behavior; D054832:Urocortins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D009479:Neuropeptides; D054832:Urocortins; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; D010121:Oxytocin; C036930:tyrosyl-prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide; D019004:Galanin; D002766:Cholecystokinin; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D009075:MSH Release-Inhibiting Hormone