NLX-112, a highly selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, mediates analgesia and antidepressant-like activity in rats via spinal cord and prefrontal cortex 5-HT1A receptors, respectively

In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that activation of spinal cord-located 5-HT1A receptors is sufficient for NLX-112 to mediate its analgesic effects in a rat model of tonic nociceptive pain. The data also highlight the involvement of PFC 5-HT1A receptors in the antidepressant-like activity of NLX-112 in the FST. Overall, the study suggests that highly selective and high efficacy 5-HT1A receptors agonists, such as NLX-112, could be useful to treat painful conditions associated with depressive states, through activation of different sub-populations of 5-HT1A receptors.