Peripherally Restricted Activation of Opioid Receptors Influences Anxiety-Related Behaviour and Alters Brain Gene Expression in a Sex-Specific Manner.

ABSTRACT: Although effects of stress-induced anxiety on the gastrointestinal tract and enteric nervous system (ENS) are well studied, how ENS dysfunction impacts behaviour is not well understood. We investigated whether ENS modulation alters anxiety-related behaviour in rats. We used loperamide, a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, to manipulate ENS function and assess changes in behaviour, gut and brain gene expression, and microbiota profile. Sprague Dawley (male/female) rats were acutely dosed with loperamide (subcutaneous) or control solution, and their behavioural phenotype was examined using open field and elevated plus maze tests. Gene expression in the proximal colon, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala was assessed by RNA-seq and caecal mi

SUBMITTER: Parkar N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11642130 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature