Transgenic rat with overproduction of ubiquitous angiotensin-(1-7) presents neuroprotection in a model of ischemia and reperfusion.

Recent studies showed that angiotensin-(1-7) has cerebroprotective actions in stroke. In the present study, we aim to test whether tissue overexpression of Angiotensin-(1-7), mainly in the brain provides neuroprotection in a model of ischemia/reperfusion by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion/reperfusion (BCCAo/R). Evaluation of neurological deficit scores and bilateral asymmetry test (BAT) were performed seven days after transient BCCAo/R in transgenic rats (TG-7371) overexpressing Angiotensin-(1-7) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Renin-Angiotensin System in Huntington's Disease: Evidence from Animal Models and Human Patients.

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is expressed in the central nervous system and has important functions that go beyond blood pressure regulation. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested that alterations in the brain RAS contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is limited information regarding the involvement of RAS components in Huntington's disease (HD).

Neuropsychiatric Properties of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas Pathway: A Brief Review.

The current pharmacological strategies for the management of anxiety disorders and depression, serious conditions which are gaining greater prevalence worldwide, depend on only two therapeutic classes of mood-stabilizing drugs: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). Although first line agents with proven efficacy, their clinical success in the management of anxiety disorders and depression is still considered highly complex due to the multifaceted nature of such conditions. Several studies have shown a possible therapeutic target could be found in the form of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme [ACE] type 2 (ACE2), Angiotensin [Ang]-(1-7) and Mas receptor pathway of the Renin- Angiotensin System (RAS), which as will be discussed, has been described to exhibit promising therapeutic properties for the management of anxiety disorders and depression.

The Renin-Angiotensin System and the Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Brief Review.

Background: A large body of studies characterized the renal and cardiovascular effects of the peptides of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We now recognize that, in addition to angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang III, other peptides, such as, Ang-(1-7), Ang-(1-9), Ang IV and Alamandine can mediate actions of the RAS in different tissues, including the brain. Effects elicited by angiotensins in the brain are complex, site specific and dependent on the interaction with selective receptors, angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1), AT2, Mas or MrgD, which present widespread distribution in the central nervous system.

Peripheral Antinociception Induced by Aripiprazole Is Mediated by the Opioid System.

Background: Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and related disorders. Our previous study showed that this compound also induces antinociceptive effects. The present study aimed to assess the participation of the opioid system in this effect.

Reduced anxiety-like behavior in transgenic rats with chronically overproduction of angiotensin-(1-7): Role of the Mas receptor.

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], a counterregulatory peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), exerts its cardiovascular and renal functions through the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas. More recently, Ang-(1-7) has also been implicated in the control of emotional states related to fear and anxiety. Here, we tested the hypothesis that transgenic rats overexpressesing Ang-(1-7) (TGR) show reduced anxiety-like behavior in two distinct animals models, the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Vogel Conflict Test (VCT).

Antidepressant-like effect of valproic acid-Possible involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Rationale: Few studies suggest that antidepressants exert their effects by activating some signaling pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Moreover, valproic acid (VPA) activates the PI3K pathway. Thus, here we investigated the antidepressant-like effect of VPA and if its effect is related to PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation.

Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of angiotensin-(1-7) in hypertensive transgenic (mRen2)27 rats.

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], a counter-regulatory peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exerts its effects through the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas, which is expressed in different tissues, including the brain. Ang-(1-7) has a broad range of effects beyond the well-described cardiovascular and renal actions, including the modulation of emotional and behavioural responses. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that Ang-(1-7) could attenuate the anxiety- and depression-like behaviours observed in transgenic hypertensive (mRen2)27 rats (TGRs).