The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand etifoxine in an animal model of anxiety: Line- and sex-dependent effects on emotionality, stress reactivity, spine density, oxytocin receptors, steroids, and microbiome composition.

The treatment of stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression is still challenging. One potential therapeutical option are neurosteroids. Their synthesis is promoted by ligands of the mitochondrial translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO).

Beyond fur color: differences in socio-emotional behavior and the oxytocin system between male BL6 and CD1 mice in adolescence and adulthood.

Introduction: The development of stress-related psychopathologies, often associated with socio-emotional dysfunctions, is crucially determined by genetic and environmental factors, which shape the individual vulnerability or resilience to stress. Especially early adolescence is considered a vulnerable time for the development of psychopathologies. Various mouse strains are known to age-dependently differ in social, emotional, and endocrine stress responses based on genetic and epigenetic differences.

OXTR-mediated signaling in astrocytes contributes to anxiolysis.

Astrocytes are an indispensable part of signal processing within the mammalian brain. Thus, the mode of action of a neuropeptide such as oxytocin (OXT) can only be fully understood considering this integral part of the CNS. Here, we show that OXT regulates astrocytic gene expression, intracellular signaling and specific proteins both in vitro and in vivo.

A CNA-35-based high-throughput fibrosis assay reveals ORAI1 as a regulator of collagen release from pancreatic stellate cells.

Rationale: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) produce a collagen-rich connective tissue in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Ca-permeable ion channels such as ORAI1 are known to affect PSC proliferation and myofibroblastic phenotype. However, it is unknown whether these channels play a role in collagen secretion.