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  1. The neuromodulatory role of dopamine in improved reaction time by acute cardiovascular exercise
    Ando S, Fujimoto T, Sudo M, Watanuki S, Hiraoka K, Takeda K, et al.
    J Physiol, 2024 Feb;602(3):461-484.
    PMID: 38165254 DOI: 10.1113/JP285173
    Acute cardiovascular physical exercise improves cognitive performance, as evidenced by a reduction in reaction time (RT). However, the mechanistic understanding of how this occurs is elusive and has not been rigorously investigated in humans. Here, using positron emission tomography (PET) with [11 C]raclopride, in a multi-experiment study we investigated whether acute exercise releases endogenous dopamine (DA) in the brain. We hypothesized that acute exercise augments the brain DA system, and that RT improvement is correlated with this endogenous DA release. The PET study (Experiment 1: n = 16) demonstrated that acute physical exercise released endogenous DA, and that endogenous DA release was correlated with improvements in RT of the Go/No-Go task. Thereafter, using two electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) studies (Experiments 2 and 3: n = 18 and 22 respectively), we investigated what triggers RT improvement. The EMS studies indicated that EMS with moderate arm cranking improved RT, but RT was not improved following EMS alone or EMS combined with no load arm cranking. The novel mechanistic findings from these experiments are: (1) endogenous DA appears to be an important neuromodulator for RT improvement and (2) RT is only altered when exercise is associated with central signals from higher brain centres. Our findings explain how humans rapidly alter their behaviour using neuromodulatory systems and have significant implications for promotion of cognitive health. KEY POINTS: Acute cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive performance, as evidenced by a reduction in reaction time (RT). However, the mechanistic understanding of how this occurs is elusive and has not been rigorously investigated in humans. Using the neurochemical specificity of [11 C]raclopride positron emission tomography, we demonstrated that acute supine cycling released endogenous dopamine (DA), and that this release was correlated with improved RT. Additional electrical muscle stimulation studies demonstrated that peripherally driven muscle contractions (i.e. exercise) were insufficient to improve RT. The current study suggests that endogenous DA is an important neuromodulator for RT improvement, and that RT is only altered when exercise is associated with central signals from higher brain centres.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  2. The Bio-Psycho-Social Dimension in Women's Sexual Desire: 'Argumentum ad novitatem'
    Roslan NS, Jaafar NRN, Sidi H, Baharudin N, Kumar J, Das S, et al.
    Curr Drug Targets, 2019;20(2):146-157.
    PMID: 28641524 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170622090337
    Sexual desire includes complex motivation and drive. In the context of biological and cognitive- emotive state art of science, it is often a neglected field in medicine. In regard to the treatment, study on women's sexual function received less attention compared to the men's sexuality. In the past, this endeavor was relatively not well disseminated in the scientific community. Recently, there was a revolutionized surge of drug targets available to treat women with low sexual desire. It is timely to review the relevant biological approach, especially in the context of pharmacotherapy to understand this interesting clinical entity which was modulated by numerous interactive psychosocial inter-play and factors. The complex inter-play between numerous dimensional factors lends insights to understand the neural mechanism, i.e. the rewards centre pathway and its interaction with external psychosocialstimulus, e.g. relationship or other meaningful life events. The function of hormones, e.g. oxytocin or testosterone regulation was described. The role of neurotransmitters as reflected by the introduction of a molecule of flibenserin, a full agonist of the 5-HT1A and partial agonist of the D4 to treat premenopausal women with low sexual desire was deliberated. Based on this fundamental scientific core knowledge, we suggest an outline on know-how of introduction for sex therapy (i.e. "inner-self" and "outer-self") where the role of partner is narrated. Then, we also highlighted on the use of pharmacological agent as an adjunct scope of therapy, i.e. phosphodiasterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and hormonal treatment in helping the patient with low sexual desire.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/pharmacology; Neurotransmitter Agents/therapeutic use
  3. Fulltext Neurohormetic phytochemicals: An evolutionary-bioenergetic perspective
    Murugaiyah V, Mattson MP
    Neurochem Int, 2015 Oct;89:271-80.
    PMID: 25861940 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.03.009
    The impact of dietary factors on brain health and vulnerability to disease is increasingly appreciated. The results of epidemiological studies, and intervention trials in animal models suggest that diets rich in phytochemicals can enhance neuroplasticity and resistance to neurodegeneration. Here we describe how interactions of plants and animals during their co-evolution, and resulting reciprocal adaptations, have shaped the remarkable characteristics of phytochemicals and their effects on the physiology of animal cells in general, and neurons in particular. Survival advantages were conferred upon plants capable of producing noxious bitter-tasting chemicals, and on animals able to tolerate the phytochemicals and consume the plants as an energy source. The remarkably diverse array of phytochemicals present in modern fruits, vegetables spices, tea and coffee may have arisen, in part, from the acquisition of adaptive cellular stress responses and detoxification enzymes in animals that enabled them to consume plants containing potentially toxic chemicals. Interestingly, some of the same adaptive stress response mechanisms that protect neurons against noxious phytochemicals are also activated by dietary energy restriction and vigorous physical exertion, two environmental challenges that shaped brain evolution. In this perspective article, we describe some of the signaling pathways relevant to cellular energy metabolism that are modulated by 'neurohormetic phytochemicals' (potentially toxic chemicals produced by plants that have beneficial effects on animals when consumed in moderate amounts). We highlight the cellular bioenergetics-related sirtuin, adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) pathways. The inclusion of dietary neurohormetic phytochemicals in an overall program for brain health that also includes exercise and energy restriction may find applications in the prevention and treatment of a range of neurological disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/administration & dosage; Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
  4. Fulltext General Pathways of Pain Sensation and the Major Neurotransmitters Involved in Pain Regulation
    Yam MF, Loh YC, Tan CS, Khadijah Adam S, Abdul Manan N, Basir R
    Int J Mol Sci, 2018 Jul 24;19(8).
    PMID: 30042373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082164
    Pain has been considered as a concept of sensation that we feel as a reaction to the stimulus of our surrounding, putting us in harm's way and acting as a form of defense mechanism that our body has permanently installed into its system. However, pain leads to a huge chunk of finances within the healthcare system with continuous rehabilitation of patients with adverse pain sensations, which might reduce not only their quality of life but also their productivity at work setting back the pace of our economy. It may not look like a huge deal but factor in pain as an issue for majority of us, it becomes an economical burden. Although pain has been researched into and understood by numerous researches, from its definition, mechanism of action to its inhibition in hopes of finding an absolute solution for victims of pain, the pathways of pain sensation, neurotransmitters involved in producing such a sensation are not comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, this review article aims to put in place a thorough understanding of major pain conditions that we experience-nociceptive, inflammatory and physiologically dysfunction, such as neuropathic pain and its modulation and feedback systems. Moreover, the complete mechanism of conduction is compiled within this article, elucidating understandings from various researches and breakthroughs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/adverse effects; Neurotransmitter Agents/therapeutic use*
  5. Fulltext MDMA and the Brain: A Short Review on the Role of Neurotransmitters in Neurotoxicity
    Mustafa NS, Bakar NHA, Mohamad N, Adnan LHM, Fauzi NFAM, Thoarlim A, et al.
    Basic Clin Neurosci, 2020 07 01;11(4):381-388.
    PMID: 33613876 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.9.10.485
    N-Methyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy is a recreational drug of abuse. It is a synthetic substance that affects the body's systems, which its mechanism of action and treatment should be more investigated. MDMA provides an immediate enjoyable feeling by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Unfortunately, abnormal regulation of the brain neurotransmitters, as well as the increased oxidative stress causes damage to the brain neurons after the MDMA exposure. Only a few studies have been done regarding its treatment. Thus, the treatment of MDMA complications should be further explored mainly by targeting its mechanism of action in the neurotransmitter systems. Hence, this study presents a short review regarding the recent findings on the role of neurotransmitters to cause MDMA neurotoxicity. The results will be useful for future research in elucidating the potential treatment based on the targeted mechanisms to treat the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  6. Role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype in neuroprotection: an overview
    Muthuraju, S., Abdullah, J.M.
    Orient Neuron Nexus, 2011;2(1):10-14.
    MyJurnal
    Neuronal cell death results from various circumstances such as hypoxia, ischemic and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). In these events, the resulting modification of neurotransmitters, either excitatory or inhibitory, mediate much of the neuronal damage. However, this consequence depends upon their pre and post synaptic receptor activities which are the key mechanism for signal regulation. Among these, acetylcholine (ACh) is a well known neurotransmitter which is predominantly involved in neuroprotection as well as cognitive functions through its receptors activity, particularly the nicotinic subtypes. Several lines of evidence suggest that among these subtypes, a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (a7nAChR) offers much promise for neuroprotective role in relation to the central nervous system (CNS) disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several lines of evidence exist to show the potential mechanisms in which this nAChR subtype and its agonists such as nicotine, that trigger the a7nAChR-mediated suppression of neuronal cell death. This review focuses on the potential role of a7nAChR in neuroprotection by examining recent experimental data, both in vitro and in vivo, that argue for the neuroprotective role of a7nAChR in the CNS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  7. Fulltext Prediction of clinical symptoms of Schizophrenia based on COMT Methylation marker
    Nour El Huda Abd Rahim, Mohd Nabil Fikri Rahim, Norsidah Ku Zaifah, Hanisah Mohd Noor, Kartini Abdullah, Norlelawati A. Talib
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2017;16(11):19-19.
    MyJurnal
    The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia is based on the fact that hyperdopaminergic
    state is involved in causing psychosis and antipsychotic drugs block the
    dopamine receptor. COMT regulates the homeostatic levels of neurotransmitter
    dopamine in the synapses and plays a role in the neurocognitive function. The
    dysregulation of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex influences the cognitive function and
    the severity of the psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. During epigenetic event,
    methylated COMT gene may cause reduction in its expression and contribute to the
    clinical presentation of schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the
    feasibility of using COMT DNA methylation for the prediction of specific psychotic
    presentation of schizophrenia. (Copied from article).
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  8. Revisiting the role of neurotransmitters in epilepsy: An updated review
    Akyuz E, Polat AK, Eroglu E, Kullu I, Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN
    Life Sci, 2021 Jan 15;265:118826.
    PMID: 33259863 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118826
    Epilepsy is a neurologicaldisorder characterized by persistent predisposition to recurrent seizurescaused by abnormal neuronal activity in the brain. Epileptic seizures maydevelop due to a relative imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Expressional alterations of receptors and ion channelsactivated by neurotransmitters can lead to epilepsy pathogenesis.

    AIMS: In this updated comprehensive review, we discuss the emerging implication of mutations in neurotransmitter-mediated receptors and ion channels. We aim to provide critical findings of the current literature about the role of neurotransmitters in epilepsy.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and critically evaluate studies analyzing the possible relationship between epilepsy and neurotransmitters. The PubMed database was searched for related research articles.

    KEY FINDINGS: Glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are the main neurotransmitters playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of this balance, and irreversible neuronal damage may occur as a result of abnormal changes in these molecules. Acetylcholine (ACh), the main stimulant of the autonomic nervous system, mediates signal transmission through cholinergic and nicotinic receptors. Accumulating evidence indicates that dysfunction of nicotinic ACh receptors, which are widely expressed in hippocampal and cortical neurons, may be significantly implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The dopamine-norepinephrine-epinephrine cycle activates hormonal and neuronal pathways; serotonin, norepinephrine, histamine, and melatonin can act as both hormones and neurotransmitters. Recent reports have demonstrated that nitric oxide mediates cognitive and memory-related functions via stimulating neuronal transmission.

    SIGNIFICANCE: The elucidation of the role of the main mediators and receptors in epilepsy is crucial for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
  9. GABAA receptors: Various stoichiometrics of subunit arrangement in α1β3 and α1β3ε receptors
    Has ATC, Chebib M
    Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(17):1839-1844.
    PMID: 29766792 DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180515123921
    GABAA receptors are members of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels which mediate most inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. These receptors are pentameric assemblies of individual subunits, including α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, δ, ε, π, θ and ρ1-3. The majority of receptors are comprised of α, β and γ or δ subunits. Depending on the subunit composition, the receptors are located in either the synapses or extrasynaptic regions. The most abundant receptors are α1βγ2 receptors, which are activated and modulated by a variety of pharmacologically and clinically unrelated agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anaesthetics and neurosteroids, all of which bind at distinct binding sites located within the receptor complex. However, compared to αβγ, the binary αβ receptors lack a benzodiazepine α-γ2 interface. In pentameric αβ receptors, the third subunit is replaced with either an α1 or a β3 subunit leading to two distinct receptors that differ in subunit stoichiometry, 2α:3β or 3α:2β. The consequence of this is that 3α:2β receptors contain an α-α interface whereas 2α:3β receptors contain a β-β interface. Apart from the replacement of γ by α1 or β3 in binary receptors, the incorporation of ε subunit into GABAA receptors might be more complicated. As the ε subunit is not only capable of substituting the γ subunit, but also replacing the α/β subunits, receptors with altered stoichiometry and different pharmacological properties are produced. The different subunit arrangement of the receptors potentially constructs novel binding sites which may become new targets of the current or new drugs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/pharmacology*
  10. Fulltext Antidepressant-Like Properties of Fish Oil on Postpartum Depression-Like Rats Model: Involvement of Serotonergic System
    Abdul Aziz NU, Chiroma SM, Mohd Moklas MA, Adenan MI, Ismail A, Hidayat Baharuldin MT
    Brain Sci, 2020 Oct 13;10(10).
    PMID: 33066310 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100733
    Pathophysiology of postpartum depression (PPD) has been associated with many factors, such as neuroendocrine, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter changes. Fish oil (FO) improves PPD both in humans and animals. However, little is known with regards to its pharmacology on a PPD-like rat model. Hence, the current study aimed at investigating the effects of FO on a PPD-like rat model. Female rats were induced with PPD-like symptoms and then randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) for two experimental protocols. Protocol 1 consisted of PPD-like rats (2 mL distilled water), PPD-like + FO (9 g/kg/d) and PPD-like + Fluoxetine (FLX) (15 mg/kg/d) groups of rats, whereas Protocol 2 consisted of PPD-like rats (2 mL distilled water) + PCPA (p-chlorophenylalanine) 150 mg/kg, PPD-like + FO (9 g/kg/d) + PCPA 150 mg/kg and PPD-like + FLX (15 mg/d) + PCPA 150 mg/kg groups of rats, respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 10 days postpartum, except PCPA, which was given intraperitoneally. Prior to euthanasia, the antidepressant-like effect of the FO was evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) on day 10 postpartum. Biochemical analysis of serotonin, serotonin metabolite and serotonin turnover from their prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were also measured. The results showed that FO decreased immobility time and increased swimming time significantly, but not climbing time in FST. Further, it also decreased serotonin metabolite and turnover significantly in the hippocampus of the PPD-like rats. In contrast, administration with PCPA reversed all the outcomes. The antidepressant-like effects of FO were found to be similar with that of FLX. Thus, it can be concluded that FO exerts its antidepressant-like effects in PPD-like rats through modulation of serotonergic system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  11. Fulltext Emodin Derivatives as Multi-Target-Directed Ligands Inhibiting Monoamine Oxidase and Antagonizing Vasopressin V1A Receptors
    Paudel P, Shrestha S, Park SE, Seong SH, Fauzi FM, Jung HA, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2020 Oct 20;5(41):26720-26731.
    PMID: 33110998 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03649
    The brain neurotransmitter level is associated with the pathology of various neurodegenerative diseases, and age-dependent increase in the blood level of vasopressin, human brain monoamine oxidase (hMAO) level, oxidative stress, and imbalance in aminergic signaling are common disease-modifying factors leading to various neurodegenerative disorders. Based on the reports of emodin in hMAO inhibition and antagonist effect on the vasopressin V1A receptor, in this study we synthesized six emodin derivatives and evaluated their effects on MAO activity and G protein-coupled receptors. Among them, 4-hydroxyemodin and 5-hydroxyemodin were potent inhibitors of hMAO, and 2-hydroxyemodin and 5-hydroxyemodin were good V1AR antagonists. In silico molecular docking simulation revealed that the hydroxyl group at C2, C4, and C5 of the respective compounds interacted with prime residues, which corroborates the in vitro effect. Likewise, these three derivatives were predicted to have good drug-like properties. Overall, our study demonstrates that the hydroxyl derivatives of emodin are multi-target-directed ligands that may act as leads for the design and development of a therapy for central nervous system disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  12. Expression of RING Finger Protein 38 in Serotonergic Neurons in the Brain of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
    Cham KL, Soga T, Parhar IS
    Front Neuroanat, 2018;12:109.
    PMID: 30574074 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00109
    Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is one of the major neurotransmitters, modulating diverse behaviours and physiological functions. Really interesting new gene (RING) finger protein 38 (RNF38) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase whose function remains unclear. A recent study has shown a possible regulatory relationship between RNF38 and the 5-HT system. Therefore, to gain insight into the role of RNF38 in the central 5-HT system, we identified the neuroanatomical location of 5-HT positive cells and investigated the relationship between RNF38 and the 5-HT system in the brain of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Immunocytochemistry revealed three neuronal populations of 5-HT in the brain of tilapia; the paraventricular organ (PVO), the dorsal and ventral periventricular pretectal nuclei (PPd and PPv), and, the superior and inferior raphe (SR and IR). The 5-HT neuronal number was highest in the raphe (90.4 in SR, 284.6 in IR), followed by the pretectal area (22.3 in PPd, 209.8 in PPv). Double-label immunocytochemistry showed that the majority of 5-HT neurons express RNF38 nuclear proteins (66.5% in PPd; 77.9% in PPv; 35.7% in SR; 49.1% in IR). These findings suggest that RNF38 could be involved in E3 ubiquitination in the central 5-HT system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  13. Melatonin as an Antiepileptic Molecule: Therapeutic Implications via Neuroprotective and Inflammatory Mechanisms
    Akyuz E, Kullu I, Arulsamy A, Shaikh MF
    ACS Chem Neurosci, 2021 04 21;12(8):1281-1292.
    PMID: 33813829 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00083
    Epilepsy is a result of unprovoked, uncontrollable, and repetitive outburst of abnormal and excessive electrical discharges, known as seizures, in the neurons. Epilepsy is a devastating neurological condition that affects 70 million people globally. Unfortunately, only two-thirds of epilepsy patients respond to antiepileptic drugs while others become drug resistant and may be more prone to epilepsy comorbidities such as SUDEP. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, imbalance in the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, and neuroinflammation are some of the common pathologies of neurological disorders and epilepsy. Studies suggests that melatonin, a pineal hormone that governs sleep-wake cycles, may be neuroprotective against neurological disorders and thus may be translated as an antiepileptic as well. Melatonin has been shown to be an antioxidant, antiexcitotoxic, and anti-inflammatory hormone/molecule in neurodegenerative diseases, which may contribute to its antiepileptic and neuroprotective properties in epilepsy as well. In addition, melatonin has evidently been shown to play a regulatory role in the cardiorespiratory system and sleep-wake cycles, which may have positive implications toward epilepsy associated comorbidities, such as SUDEP. However, studies investigating the changes in melatonin release due to epilepsy and melatonin's antiepileptic role have been inconclusive and scarce, respectively. Thus, this comprehensive review aims to summarize and elucidate the potential role of melatonin in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and its comorbidities, in hopes to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that will improve the lives of epileptic patients, particularly those who are drug resistant.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  14. Fulltext Orthosiphon stamineus Proteins Alleviate Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish
    Chung YS, Choo BKM, Ahmed PK, Othman I, Shaikh MF
    Biomedicines, 2020 Jul 02;8(7).
    PMID: 32630817 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070191
    The anticonvulsive potential of proteins extracted from Orthosiphon stamineus leaves (OSLP) has never been elucidated in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This study thus aims to elucidate the anticonvulsive potential of OSLP in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model. Physical changes (seizure score and seizure onset time, behavior, locomotor) and neurotransmitter analysis were elucidated to assess the pharmacological activity. The protective mechanism of OSLP on brain was also studied using mass spectrometry-based label-free proteomic quantification (LFQ) and bioinformatics. OSLP was found to be safe up to 800 µg/kg and pre-treatment with OSLP (800 µg/kg, i.p., 30 min) decreased the frequency of convulsive activities (lower seizure score and prolonged seizure onset time), improved locomotor behaviors (reduced erratic swimming movements and bottom-dwelling habit), and lowered the excitatory neurotransmitter (glutamate). Pre-treatment with OSLP increased protein Complexin 2 (Cplx 2) expression in the zebrafish brain. Cplx2 is an important regulator in the trans-SNARE complex which is required during the vesicle priming phase in the calcium-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Findings in this study collectively suggests that OSLP could be regulating the release of neurotransmitters via calcium-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis mediated by the "Synaptic Vesicle Cycle" pathway. OSLP's anticonvulsive actions could be acting differently from diazepam (DZP) and with that, it might not produce the similar cognitive insults such as DZP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  15. Role of ambrisentan (selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist) on cigarette smoke exposure induced cognitive impairment in Danio rerio
    Muthuraman A, Nafisa K, Sowmya MS, Arpitha BM, Choedon N, Sandy CD, et al.
    Life Sci, 2019 Mar 04.
    PMID: 30844374 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.03.002
    BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke is exogenous modifiable factors to changes the neurovascular complication. The chronic exposure of cigarette smoke enhances neurocognitive dysfunction.

    AIMS: The present study is focused on evaluating the role of ambrisentan (selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist) on cigarette smoke-induced cognitive impairment in Danio rerio.

    MAIN METHODS: The cognitive dysfunction was developed by cigarette smoke exposure (CSE; 10 min in 25 ml of CSE per day) for five days. The selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist i.e., ambrisentan (2.5 to 5 mg/kg; i.p. for five consecutive days) was used for testing of CSE induced cognitive dysfunction. In addition, treatment of reference drug i.e., donepezil (10 mg/kg; i.p. for five consecutive days) was used for this cognitive function study. The cognitive functions were assessed by light and dark chamber; color recognition; partition preference; horizontal compartment; and T-Maze tests. Further, the CSE induced biomarkers changes of the zebrafish brain samples were estimated.

    KEY FINDINGS: The treatment of ambrisentan showed a potential ameliorative effect against the CSE induced cognitive functions along with attenuation of biochemical changes. The results are comparable to donepezil-treated groups.

    SIGNIFICANCE: Therefore, ambrisentan can be considered for the attenuation of CSE induced impairment neurocognitive functions due to its reduction of free radical scavenging and neuroinflammatory actions as well as regulation of cholinergic neurotransmitter functions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  16. Fulltext Zebrafish as a Model for Epilepsy-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction: A Pharmacological, Biochemical and Behavioral Approach
    Kundap UP, Kumari Y, Othman I, Shaikh MF
    Front Pharmacol, 2017;8:515.
    PMID: 28824436 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00515
    Epilepsy is a neuronal disorder allied with distinct neurological and behavioral alterations characterized by recurrent spontaneous epileptic seizures. Impairment of the cognitive performances such as learning and memory is frequently observed in epileptic patients. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are efficient to the majority of patients. However, 30% of this population seems to be refractory to the drug treatment. These patients are not seizure-free and frequently they show impaired cognitive functions. Unfortunately, as a side effect, some AEDs could contribute to such impairment. The major problem associated with conducting studies on epilepsy-related cognitive function is the lack of easy, rapid, specific and sensitive in vivo testing models. However, by using a number of different techniques and parameters in the zebrafish, we can incorporate the unique feature of specific disorder to study the molecular and behavior basis of this disease. In the view of current literature, the goal of the study was to develop a zebrafish model of epilepsy induced cognitive dysfunction. In this study, the effect of AEDs on locomotor activity and seizure-like behavior was tested against the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in zebrafish and epilepsy associated cognitive dysfunction was determined using T-maze test followed by neurotransmitter estimation and gene expression analysis. It was observed that all the AEDs significantly reversed PTZ induced seizure in zebrafish, but had a negative impact on cognitive functions of zebrafish. AEDs were found to modulate neurotransmitter levels, especially GABA, glutamate, and acetylcholine and gene expression in the drug treated zebrafish brains. Therefore, combination of behavioral, neurochemical and genenetic information, makes this model a useful tool for future research and discovery of newer and safer AEDs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents
  17. Pharmacological approaches for Alzheimer's disease: neurotransmitter as drug targets
    Prakash A, Kalra J, Mani V, Ramasamy K, Majeed AB
    Expert Rev Neurother, 2015 Jan;15(1):53-71.
    PMID: 25495260 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.988709
    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common CNS disorder occurring worldwide. There is neither proven effective prevention for AD nor a cure for patients with this disorder. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop safer and more efficacious drugs to help combat the tremendous increase in disease progression. The present review is an attempt at discussing the treatment strategies and drugs under clinical trials governing the modulation of neurotransmitter. Therefore, looking at neurotransmitter abnormalities, there is an urge for developing the pharmacological approaches aimed at correcting those abnormalities and dysfunctioning. In addition, this review also discusses the drugs that are in Phase III trials for the treatment of AD. Despite advances in treatment strategies aimed at correcting neurotransmitter abnormalities, there exists a need for the development of drug therapies focusing on the attempts to remove the pathogenomic protein deposits, thus combating the disease progression.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
  18. Understanding the Pathophysiology of Premature Ejaculation: Bridging the Link between Pharmacological and Psychological Interventions
    Yusof F, Sidi H, Das S, Midin M, Kumar J, Hatta MH
    Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(8):856-864.
    PMID: 27993112 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666161215161108
    Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the commonest male sexual dysfunctions. It is characterized by ejaculation which occurs before or soon after vaginal penetration, which causes significant psychological distress to the individual, and his partner. The exact cause of PE is still unknown but several mechanisms are proposed, and these involve complex interactions of neurophysiological, psychosocial, and cognitive factors. We discuss the role of serotonin, nitric oxide, phosphodiesterase enzymes and other neurotransmitters. Treatment of PE tends to co-occur with other sexual difficulties, especially erectile dysfunction (ED). Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Dapoxitene are also discussed in detail. The treatment strategy requires a comprehensive holistic approach incorporating both combination of psychopharmacological agent and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The present review highlights the integration of the hypothalamic-neural and reverberating emotional circuit and discusses the etiology and treatment for patients with PE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism
  19. Management of Patients With Functional Heartburn
    Lee YY, Wu JCY
    Gastroenterology, 2018 06;154(8):2018-2021.e1.
    PMID: 29730025 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.04.030
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/therapeutic use*
  20. The debate over neurotransmitter interaction in aspartame usage
    Choudhary AK, Lee YY
    J Clin Neurosci, 2018 Oct;56:7-15.
    PMID: 30318075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.06.043
    Aspartame (NutraSweet®, Equal®) is a widely used artificial sweetener, has been reported to be accountable for neurological and behavioural disturbances in people. Upon ingestion, aspartame is hydrolyzed in gut and provides its metabolite; such as essential amino acid phenylalanine (Phy) (50%), aspartic acid (40%), and methanol (10%). Altered brain neurochemical compositions [such as dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT)] have long been a concern and being involved in observed neurophysiological symptom (such as headaches, memory loss, mood changes, as well as depression) in aspartame consumers. Aspartames might act as chemical stressor through increasing plasma cortisol level. Aspartame consumption similarly altered gut microbiota. Taken together all this factors, we reviewed to search for convincing evidence, in what manner aspartame metabolites, stress hormones (cortisol), and gut dysbiosisis involved in altering brain neurochemical composition. We concluded that aspartame metabolite; mainly Phy and its interaction with neurotransmitter and aspartic acid by acting as excitatory neurotransmitter causes this pattern of impairments. Along with elevated cortisol and gut dysbiosis via interactions with different biogenic amine may also have additional impact to modulate neuronal signaling lead to neurobiological impairments. Hence ongoing research is instantly needed to understand the specific roles of aspartame metabolite, elevated cortisol, and gut dysbiosis with emerging neurophysiological symptom in aspartame consumers to improve healthy life in its consumers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
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