Behavioral consequences of co-administration of MTEP and the COX-2 inhibitor NS398 in mice. Part 1

摘要

Background: The immunologic modulation of glutamate (Glu) neurotransmission is a topic of great interest. Neuroinflammation is an intrinsic component of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as a factor responsible for cognitive and behavioral changes. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the brain was shown to be associated with inflammation. COX-2 is also widely expressed in the brain including neurons and glia and participates in fundamental brain functions, e.g. in synaptic plasticity or memory consolidation. Furthermore, COX-2/Glu interplay has been reported, while metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are known to contribute to plastic changes and to behavior. The primary goal of this study was to explain the behavioral consequences of the modulation of the glutamatergic pathway via the interaction of the mGlu5 receptor and COX-2, utilizing a panel of behavioral tests.