Effects of TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone on sensory gating deficits in mice after administration of methamphetamine

Several lines of evidence suggest that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway plays a role in behavioral abnormalities observed after administration of psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine (METH). This study was undertaken to examine whether the potent TrkB agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) could improve prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits in mice seen after a single dose of METH. Treatment with 7,8-DHF (3.0, 10 or 30 mg/kg) improved PPI deficits in mice associated with exposure to METH (3.0 mg/kg), in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, co-administration of ANA-12 (0.5 mg/kg), a TrkB antagonist, significantly blocked the effects of 7,8-DHF (30 mg/kg) on METH-induced PPI deficits. In contrast, administration of 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (5,7-DHF: 30 mg/kg), an inactive TrkB ligand, did not affect METH-induced PPI deficits in mice. An in vivo microdialysis study in conscious mice showed that 7,8-DHF (30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated increased dopamine release in the striatum, after METH administration (3 mg/kg). This study suggests that 7,8-DHF can improve PPI deficits in these mice, through the inhibition of METH-induced dopamine release. Therefore, it is likely that TrkB agonists, such as 7,8-DHF, may constitute a novel class of therapeutic drugs for neuropsychiatric diseases such as METH-use disorder and schizophrenia.