Abstract

Increasing interest has recently been attracted towards the identification of natural compounds including those with antidepressant properties. Curcumin has shown promising antidepressant effect, however, its molecular target(s) have not been well defined. Based on the interaction between the neurotrophins and endocannabinoid system as well as their contribution to the emotional reactivity and antidepressant action, here we show that 4-week treatment with curcumin, similar to the classical antidepressant amitriptyline, results in the sustained elevation of brain nerve growth factor (NGF) and endocannabinoids in dose-dependent and brain region-specific fashion. Pretreatment with cannabinoid CB(1) receptor neutral antagonist AM4113, but not the CB(2) antagonist SR144528, prevents the enhancement of brain NGF contents. AM4113 exerts no effect by itself. Our findings by presenting the CB(1) receptor-mediated endocannabinoid signaling and NGF as novel targets for curcumin, suggest that more attention should be focused on the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines including curcumin.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Hassanzadeh P, Hassanzadeh A

Institution

Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 19835-187, Evin, Tehran, Iran. Pari_has@yahoo.com

Source

Neurochemical research 37:5 2012 May pg 1112-20

MeSH

Amitriptyline
Animals
Brain
Curcumin
Endocannabinoids
Male
Nerve Growth Factor
Pyrazoles
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
Signal Transduction

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22311129