Role of the MT1and MT2melatonin receptors in mediating depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors in C3H/HeN mice.
Melatonin is a neurohormone primarily synthesized by the pineal gland following a circadian rhythm with a high level during the night and a low level during the day. Alterations in the synthesis and secretion of melatonin have been reported in various mood disorders, including major depressive disorder. However, the role of endogenous melatonin in the pathophysiology of depressive disorder is unclear. Melatonin primarily acts through two G protein-coupled receptors, termed MT1and MT2. The present study investigated the effect of genetic deletion of the MT1and/or MT2receptors on tests associated with depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in C3H/HeN mice. Deletion of the MT1and/or MT2receptors caused a deficit in hedonic and social interaction behavior, and increased anxiety-like behavior. It is likely that dysregulations of the MT1and/or MT2melatonin receptors could be involved in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA.
J
J
Liu
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA.
S J
SJ
Clough
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA.
M L
ML
Dubocovich
D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000378:metabolism*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012919:Social Behavior
D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D008550:Melatonin
Anhedonia; MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors; anxiety; depression; social interaction