Paeonol, the active component of Cynanchum paniculatum, ameliorated schizophrenia-like behaviors by regulating the PI3K-Akt-GSK3β-NF-κB signalling pathway in MK-801-treated mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cynanchum paniculatum (Bunge) Kitag. ex H. Hara (Asclepiadaceae) have been traditionally used in East Asia as analgesic or antiviral agents. Interestingly, some Chinese and Korean traditional medicinal books reported that the use of C. paniculatum in the treatment of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. Aim of the study: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether C. paniculatum could improve sensorimotor gating disruption in mice with MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors. We also aimed to identify the active component of C. paniculatum that could potentially serve as a treatment for schizophrenia and found that paeonol, the major constituent compound of C. paniculatum, showed potential as a treatment for schizophrenia. Materials and methods: To assess the effect of paeonol on mice with MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors, we carried out a series of behavioral tests related with symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, we utilized Western blotting and ELISA techniques to investigate the antipsychotic actions of paeonol. Result: C. paniculatum extract (100 or 300 mg/kg) and paenol (10 or 30 mg/kg) significantly reversed MK-801induced prepulse deficits in acoustic startle response test. In addition, paeonol (10 or 30 mg/kg) attenuated social novelty preference and novel object recognition memory on MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like behaviour in mice. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, GSK3 beta and NF-kappa B, as well as related proinflammatory cytokine, such as IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, were significantly reversed by the administration of paeonol (10 or 30 mg/kg) in the prefrontal cortex of MK-801-treated mice. Conclusions: Collectively, these data show that paeonol can potentially be used as an agent for treating sensorimotor gating deficits, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits, such as those observed in schizophrenia with few adverse effects.

Automated summary

This study found that Cynanchum paniculatum has the potential to improve schizophrenia-like behaviors induced by MK-801, and paeonol, the major component, could be a treatment for schizophrenia. Paeonol can reverse prepulse deficits in acoustic startle response test, attenuate social novelty preference and novel object recognition memory. In addition, it can reverse abnormal signaling pathways and inflammatory factors in the prefrontal cortex.