Blockade of NOP receptor modulates anxiety-related behaviors in mice exposed to inescapable stress.

Rationale: Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur, and this has important clinical implications. Previous studies showed that activation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) elicits anxiolytic effects, while its blockade promotes consistent antidepressant actions. NOP antagonists are effective in reversing footshock-induced depressive-like behaviors, but their effects on stress-induced anxiety are still unclear.

Exploring the Binding Mechanism of GABA Receptor Agonists and Antagonists through in Silico Simulations.

GABA is a G protein-coupled receptor that functions as a constitutive heterodimer composed of the GABA and GABA subunits. It mediates slow and prolonged inhibitory neurotransmission in the nervous system, representing an attractive target for the treatment of various disorders. However, the molecular mechanism of the GABA receptor is not thoroughly understood.

Central adenosine A1 and A2A receptors mediate the antinociceptive effects of neuropeptide S in the mouse formalin test.

Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the intraplantar (ipl) and central (icv) effects of neuropeptide S (NPS) in the formalin test and to evaluate the role of adenosine receptors, mainly A1 and A2A, in mediating such effects.

Main Methods: The ipl injection of formalin was used to assess the nociceptive activity. Moreover, by pretreating mice with non-selective and selective antagonists of adenosine receptors, the effects of icv NPS on formalin-induced ongoing nociception were assessed.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ induces simultaneously anxiolytic and amnesic effects in the mouse elevated T-maze task.

Studies have shown a close relationship between anxiety and aversive memory processing, but few animal models are suitable for investigating the effects of a given compound on anxiety and memory simultaneously. A growing body of evidence suggests anxiolytic and amnesic effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ). The mouse elevated T-maze (ETM) has been shown to detect the effects of drugs on anxiety and memory at the same time.