Volume 128, 1 May 2015, Pages 24–29
Linalool and β-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway
Abstract
Aims
Linalool
and β-pinene are two volatile monoterpenes that possess
antidepressant-like activity. These are components of many aromatic
plants used in folk medicine around the world to relieve anxiety and
depression. In this contribution, we focused on examining the mechanism
of action of these compounds.
Main methods
We
used mice in the forced swimming test (FST) and antagonist drugs (i.p.)
to receptors related to the depression process such as 5-HT1A. To assess the possible contribution of the serotoninergic system, animals were pre-treated with WAY 100635 (a 5-HT1A
receptor antagonist) and PCPA (a serotonin synthesis inhibitor). To
assess the participation of the noradrenergic system, the animals were
pre-treated with yohimbine (an α2 receptor antagonist),
propranolol (a β receptor antagonist) and neurotoxin DSP-4 (a
noradrenergic neurotoxin). In the dopaminergic system, we used SCH23390
(a D1 receptor antagonist).
Key findings
WAY
100635 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of linalool and β-pinene.
In contrast, pretreatment of mice with PCPA did not modify reductions
in the immobility time elicited by the two monoterpenes. The yohimbine
modified the effect of linalool on immobility time. Propranolol and
neurotoxin DSP-4 reversed the anti-immobility effect of β-pinene; also,
SCH23390 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of β-pinene.
Significance
Our
results indicate that linalool and β-pinene produce an
antidepressant-like effect through interaction with the monoaminergic
system.
Keywords
- Linalool;
- β-Pinene;
- Antidepressant;
- Monoterpenes;
- Aromatic compounds
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
