Anxiolytic Action of Pterostilbene: Involvement of Hippocampal ERK Phosphorylation

作者：Al Rahim Md; Rimando Agnes M; Silistreli Kalpten; El Alfy Abir T^*

来源：Planta Medica, 2013, 79(9): 723-730.

DOI：10.1055/s-0032-1328553

• pterostilbene
• anxiolytic activity
• elevated plus maze
• ERK phosphorylation
• hippocampus

Pterostilbene, a natural analog of resveratrol, has diverse health-beneficial properties. However, the neurological activities of this compound are largely unexplored. Here, we report that pterostilbene shows anxiolytic-like actions by down-regulating phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated kinases in the hippocampus of mice. Adult male mice administered pterostilbene (1-10 mg/kg, p.o.) were subjected to the elevated plus maze test. Pterostilbene manifested anxiolytic activity at 1 and 2 mg/kg doses, demonstrated by increases in % permanence time and number of open arm entries. The locomotor activity of the animals was unaffected at all doses. Western blot analysis revealed a decrease in both extracellular regulated kinase1 and extracellular regulated kinase 2 phosphorylation in hippocampal homogenates from mice treated with 1 and 2 mg/kg pterostilbene. Moreover, pterostilbene was detected in the plasma and brains of mice following single oral administration. Anxiolytic activity was not observed at the higher doses (5 and 10 mg/kg). However, no impairment of motor function was observed either, suggesting a favorable safety index for the compound. These results suggest that pterostilbene has the potential for therapeutic drug development for anxiety disorders.

• 出版日期2013-6