Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is one of the principle components of the stress response. The physiological effects of CRF are mediated by two receptor subtypes, CRF(1) and CRF(2). Recent data obtained with the selective CRF(2) antagonist antisauvagine-30 (ASV-30) has begun to suggest that both CRF receptor subtypes may play a role in stress-related behaviors. Exactly how these two recept...

Recent studies have demonstrated neuroinflammation and increased cytokine levels are associated with depression. Aware of the efficacy the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity of proanthocyanidin, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of proanthocyanidin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. In depressive behavior tests, the ...

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted repetitive behaviors and interests. Ligands of histamine receptor 3 (H3R) are considered potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of different brain disorders and cognitive impairments. Considering this, the aim of the pres...

An unshared object can be accessed without regard to possible conflicts with other parts of a system, whether concurrent or single-threaded. A unique variable (sometimes known as a ‘free’ or ‘linear’ variable) is one that either is null or else refers to an unshared object. Being able to declare and check which variables are unique improves a programmer’s ability to avoid program faults. In pre...

There is a clear link between dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling and mood disorders. Genetic variants in the glutamate receptor gene GRIK4, which encodes the kainate receptor subunit GluK4, alter the susceptibility for depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Here we demonstrate that Grik4(-/-) mice have reduced anxiety and an antidepressant-like phenotype. In the elevated zero-maz...

The role of bacteria in animal development, ecology and evolution is increasingly well understood, yet little is known of how animal behaviour affects bacterial communities. Animals that benefit from defending a key resource from microbial competitors are likely to evolve behaviours to control or manipulate the animal's associated external microbiota. We describe four possible mechanisms by whi...