Enhancing Cognitive Functions and Neuronal Growth through NPY1R Agonist and Ketamine Co-Administration: Evidence for NPY1R-TrkB Heteroreceptor Complexes in Rats.
Carlos Arrabal-Gómez, Rasiel Beltran-Casanueva, Aracelis Hernández-García, Juan Vicente Bayolo-Guanche, Miguel Angel Barbancho-Fernández, Pedro Jesús Serrano-Castro, Manuel Narváez
Cells April 12, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080669 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled laboratory experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Male Sprague-Dawley rats |
| Interventions | [Leu31-Pro34]NPY Ketamine |
| Dose | 132 µg of [Leu31-Pro34]NPY and 10 mg/kg of Ketamine |
| Duration | Single-dose administration, assessed 24 h after treatment |
| Topics | Ketamine Esketamine |
| Keywords | Npy1r agonist Npy1r-trkb heteroreceptor complex Cognitive functions Dorsal hippocampus Memory consolidation Neurodegenerative diseases Neuronal proliferation Neuropharmacology Brain research Memory enhancement Cognitive therapy Drug development |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key findings | Co-administration of an NPY1R agonist and ketamine enhanced memory consolidation and increased neuronal proliferation in the dorsal hippocampus dentate gyrus, mediated by BDNF and potentially NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complexes. |
Abstract
This study investigates the combined effects of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist [Leu31-Pro34]NPY at a dose of 132 µg and Ketamine at 10 mg/Kg on cognitive functions and neuronal proliferation, against a backdrop where neurodegenerative diseases present an escalating challenge to global health systems. Utilizing male Sprague-Dawley rats in a physiological model, this research employed a single-dose administration of these compounds and assessed their impact 24 h after treatment on object-in-place memory tasks, alongside cellular proliferation within the dorsal hippocampus dentate gyrus. Methods such as the in situ proximity ligation assay and immunohistochemistry for proliferating a cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and doublecortin (DCX) were utilized. The results demonstrated that co-administration significantly enhanced memory consolidation and increased neuronal proliferation, specifically neuroblasts, without affecting quiescent neural progenitors and astrocytes. These effects were mediated by the potential formation of NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complexes, as suggested by receptor co-localization studies, although further investigation is required to conclusively prove this interaction. The findings also highlighted the pivotal role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mediating these effects. In conclusion, this study presents a promising avenue for enhancing cognitive functions and neuronal proliferation through the synergistic action of the NPY1R agonist and Ketamine, potentially via NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complex formation, offering new insights into therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.