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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

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01-11-2012 | Review

Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) as a therapeutic target for anxiety and neurologic disorders

Authors: Caroline Nothdurfter, Thomas C. Baghai, Cornelius Schüle, Rainer Rupprecht

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Special Issue 2/2012

Abstract

The translocator protein (18kD) (TSPO) plays a crucial role for the synthesis of neurosteroids by promoting the transport of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is the rate-limiting step in neurosteroidogenesis. Neurosteroids are allosteric modulators of GABA_A receptor function, which plays an important role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. The TSPO ligand XBD173 enhances GABAergic neurotransmission by promoting neurosteroidogenesis without direct effects at the GABA_A receptor. In humans, XBD173 shows potent antipanic efficacy without sedation and withdrawal after 7 days of treatment. XBD173 therefore appears to be a promising compound for rapid anxiolytic efficacy with a favorable side-effect profile. Furthermore, TSPO ligands show neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects in experimental models of peripheral neuropathies and traumatic brain injury. These compounds might therefore also be valuable for the treatment of neurologic diseases with inflammation-related pathophysiology.

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Title: Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) as a therapeutic target for anxiety and neurologic disorders
Authors: Caroline Nothdurfter
Thomas C. Baghai
Cornelius Schüle
Rainer Rupprecht
Publication date: 01-11-2012
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue Special Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-012-0352-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) as a therapeutic target for anxiety and neurologic disorders

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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