Anxiolytic Effect of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Infused into Rat Brain

Vol. 51, No. 1, 2005

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Original Paper

Anxiolytic Effect of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Infused into Rat Brain
Koichi Isogawa^a, Jotaro Akiyoshi^a, Kensuke Kodama^a, Hirotaka Matsushita^a, Takashi Tsutsumi^a, Hiroshi Funakoshi^b, Toshikazu Nakamura^b

^aDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, Oita, and
^bDivision of Biochemistry, Department of Oncology, Biomedical Research Center, Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan

Address of Corresponding Author

Neuropsychobiology 2005;51:34-38 (DOI: 10.1159/000082853)

Key Words

Anxiety
Hepatocyte growth factor
Rat

Abstract

Background: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has the capacity to selectively direct thalamocortical projections into an intermediate target, the pallidum, and eventually to their final cortical destination. HGF may have a role in the mediation of anxiety. Very little is known about other central behavioral effects of HGF. Objective: Our aim was to determine what effect HGF has on anxiety in rats. Methods: HGF was infused at a constant rate into cerebral lateral ventricles and its effect on anxiety in rats was monitored. Results: In the elevated plus maze test and the black and white box test, HGF administration caused all indicators of anxiety to increase. No significant effect on general locomotor activity was seen. Conclusion: HGF infusion into the brain produces an anxiolytic effect.

Author Contacts

Jotaro Akiyoshi
Department of Neuropsychiatry
Oita University Faculty of Medicine
Hasama-Machi, Oita 879-5593 (Japan)
Tel. +81 97 586 5823, Fax +81 97 549 3583, E-Mail akiyoshi@med.oita-u.ac.jp

Article Information

Published online: December 20, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 24

Medline Abstract (ID 15627811)

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