Metformin produces anxiolytic-like effects in rats by facilitating GABA_A receptor trafficking to membrane.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Altered function or expression of GABA_A receptors contributes to anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. However, the long-term use of benzodiazepines increases the risk of developing drug dependence and tolerance. Thus, it is urgent to explore new therapeutic approaches. Metformin is widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndromes. However, the role of metformin in psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety, remains largely unknown.

Experimental approach

We examined the effects of metformin on anxiety-like behaviour of rats in open field test and elevated plus maze test. We also observed the effect of metformin (10 μM, in vitro; 100 mg·kg^-1 , in vivo) on the traffic

SUBMITTER: Fan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6295415 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature