4-Methoxycinnamic acid attenuates schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by MK-801 in mice

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceScrophularia buergeriana has been used for traditional medicine as an agent for reducing heat in the blood and for nourishing kidney ‘Yin’. Therefore, S. buergeriana might be a potential treatment for mental illness, especially schizophrenia, which may be attenuated by supplying kidney Yin and reducing blood heat. In a pilot study, we found that S. buergeriana alleviated sensorimotor gating dysfunction induced by MK-801. Aim of the studyIn the present study, we attempted to reveal the active component(s) of S. buergeriana as a candidate for treating sensorimotor gating dysfunction, and we identified 4-methoxycinnamic acid. We explored whether 4-methoxycinnamic acid could affect schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by hypofunction of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system. Materials and methodsMice were treated with 4-methoxycinnamic acid (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, i.g.) under MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like conditions. The effect of 4-methoxycinnamic acid on schizophrenia-like behaviors were explored using several behavioral tasks. We also used Western blotting to investigate which signaling pathway(s) is involved in the pharmacological activities of 4-methoxycinnamic acid. Results4-Methoxycinnamic acid ameliorated MK-801-induced prepulse inhibition deficits, social interaction disorders and cognitive impairment by regulating the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt and GSK-3β signaling in the prefrontal cortex. And there were no adverse effects in terms of catalepsy and motor coordination impairments. ConclusionCollectively, 4-methoxycinnamic acid would be a potential candidate for treating schizophrenia with fewer adverse effects, especially the negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunctions.