Biomol Ther.  2019 Sep;27(5):450-456. 10.4062/biomolther.2018.218.

Anxiolytic Action of Taurine via Intranasal Administration in Mice

• Jung JH
• Kim SJ

• KMID: 2456219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2018.218

Abstract

Taurine has a number of beneficial pharmacological actions in the brain such as anxiolytic and neuroprotective actions. We explored to test whether taurine could be transported to the central nervous system through the intranasal route. Following intranasal administration of taurine in mice, elevated plus maze test, activity cage test and rota rod test were carried out to verify taurine's effect on anxiety. For the characterization of potential mechanism of taurine's anti-anxiety action, mouse convulsion tests with strychnine, picrotoxin, yohimbine, and isoniazid were employed. A significant increase in the time spent in the open arms was observed when taurine was administered through the nasal route in the elevated plus maze test. In addition, vertical and horizontal activities of mice treated with taurine via intranasal route were considerably diminished. These results support the hypothesis that taurine can be transported to the brain through intranasal route, thereby inducing anti-anxiety activity. Taurine's anti-anxiety action may be mediated by the strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor as evidenced by the inhibition of strychnine-induced convulsion.

Keyword

Anti-anxiety; Taurine; Elevated plus maze test; Activity cage test; Strychnine; Glycine receptor

MeSH Terms

Administration, Intranasal*
Animals
Anxiety
Arm
Brain
Central Nervous System
Isoniazid
Mice*
Picrotoxin
Receptors, Glycine
Seizures
Strychnine
Taurine*
Yohimbine
Isoniazid
Picrotoxin
Receptors, Glycine
Strychnine
Taurine
Yohimbine