1. Dual Modulator of ASIC Channels and GABA A Receptors from Thyme Alters Fear-Related Hippocampal Activity.
- Author
-
Kalinovskii AP, Pushkarev AP, Mikhailenko AD, Kudryavtsev DS, Belozerova OA, Shmygarev VI, Yatskin ON, Korolkova YV, Kozlov SA, Osmakov DI, Popov A, and Andreev YA
- Subjects
- Fear drug effects, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Hippocampus drug effects, Acid Sensing Ion Channels metabolism, Receptors, GABA-A metabolism, Thymus Plant chemistry, Citrates chemistry, Citrates pharmacology, Naphthalenes chemistry, Naphthalenes pharmacology, Lignans chemistry, Lignans pharmacology, Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers chemistry, Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers pharmacology, GABA-A Receptor Agonists chemistry, GABA-A Receptor Agonists pharmacology
- Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated ion channels that mediate nociception in the peripheral nervous system and contribute to fear and learning in the central nervous system. Sevanol was reported previously as a naturally-occurring ASIC inhibitor from thyme with favorable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Using electrophysiological methods, we found that in the high micromolar range, the compound effectively inhibited homomeric ASIC1a and, in sub- and low-micromolar ranges, positively modulated the currents of α1β2γ2 GABA
A receptors. Next, we tested the compound in anxiety-related behavior models using a targeted delivery into the hippocampus with parallel electroencephalographic measurements. In the open field, 6 µM sevanol reduced both locomotor and θ-rhythmic activity similar to GABA, suggesting a primary action on the GABAergic system. At 300 μM, sevanol markedly suppressed passive avoidance behavior, implying alterations in conditioned fear memory. The observed effects could be linked to distinct mechanisms involving GABAA R and ASIC1a. These results elaborate the preclinical profile of sevanol as a candidate for drug development and support the role of ASIC channels in fear-related functions of the hippocampus.- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF