Effect of Activation of the GLT-1 Transporter by a Beta-Lactam Antibiotic on Serotonin-Induced Scratching Behavior in Mice

GÜNDÜZ Ö., TOPUZ R. D., TODURGA SEVEN Z. G., Duvan K., KARADAĞ Ç. H., ULUGÖL A.

Neurophysiology, vol.47, no.1, pp.36-39, 2015 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 47 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11062-015-9494-1
  • Journal Name: Neurophysiology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.36-39
  • Keywords: ceftriaxone, glutamate transporter GLT-1, itch, serotonin
  • Trakya University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Glutamate is believed to be the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the networks responsible for itch-related behavior. Beta-lactam antibiotics were shown to exert neuroprotective effects by increasing expression of the glutamate transporter GLT-1. We observed whether repeated administration of the beta-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone suppresses serotonin-induced itch-related behavior (similarly to the effect of this agent on pain transmission) in mice. Chronic, but not acute, ceftriaxone introductions reduced the number of serotonin-induced scratches; dihydrokainic acid, a selective GLT-1 transporter inhibitor, partly but significantly abolished this effect of ceftriaxone. Our findings suggest that GLT-1 activation by beta-lactam antibiotics looks promising for the treatment of chronic itch.