Abstract
Rationale
Stimulation of central β2 adrenergic receptors produces antidepressant-like effects on behavior. At present, it is not known what brain sites are involved in mediating such effects, although some recent evidence suggests the importance of the dorsal hippocampus.
Objective
Experiments were carried out to determine whether central administration of β-adrenergic antagonists blocks antidepressant-like effects produced by peripheral administration of the β2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol.
Methods
The following were determined: 1) the ability of ICV or intrahippocampal administration of the non-selective β adrenergic antagonists propranolol and CGP-12177, which are lipophilic and hydrophilic, respectively, to antagonize the effects of peripherally administered clenbuterol on differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) behavior; 2) the effects of clenbuterol, administered bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus, on DRL behavior.
Results
The antidepressant-like effects of clenbuterol, i.e. reduced response rate and increased reinforcement rate under the DRL schedule, were antagonized by either ICV or bilateral intrahippocampal infusions of propranolol or CGP-12177; CGP-12177 was approximately 8-fold more potent than propranolol. Direct infusion of clenbuterol into the bilateral dorsal hippocampus also produced antidepressant-like effects.
Conclusions
Central β-adrenergic receptors, in particular those in the dorsal hippocampus, are involved in the mediation of the antidepressant-like effect of clenbuterol. Probably resulting from its enhanced access to the sites of action, the hydrophilic antagonist CGP-12177 was more potent than the lipophilic antagonist propranolol, even though they exhibit similar potency in vitro.
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Acknowledgements
This study was supported by research grants and an Independent Scientist Award from the National Institute of Mental Health. We thank Ms. Carrie Houts for her assistance with the experiments.
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Zhang, HT., Huang, Y. & O'Donnell, J.M. Antagonism of the antidepressant-like effects of clenbuterol by central administration of β-adrenergic antagonists in rats. Psychopharmacology 170, 102–107 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-003-1512-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-003-1512-0