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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

Yokukansan promotes hippocampal neurogenesis associated with the suppression of activated microglia in Gunn rat

Authors: Motohide Furuya, Tsuyoshi Miyaoka, Toshiko Tsumori, Kristian Liaury, Sadayuki Hashioka, Rei Wake, Keiko Tsuchie, Michiyo Fukushima, Satoko Ezoe, Jun Horiguchi

Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

The pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) remains unclear, and its treatment is far from ideal. We have previously reported that yokukansan (YKS), which is a traditional Japanese medicine, is effective as an adjunctive therapy for SCZ. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of YKS have not yet been completely elucidated. A recent meta-analysis study has shown that adjuvant anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for SCZ treatment, and it has been proposed that some of the cognitive deficits associated with inflammation may in part be related to inflammation-induced reductions in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Although certain ingredients of YKS have potent anti-inflammatory activity, no study has determined if YKS has anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Using the Gunn rat, which has been reported as a possible animal model of SCZ, we investigated whether YKS affects cognitive dysfunction in an object-location test and the suppression of microglial activation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Results

We found that YKS ameliorated spatial working memory in the Gunn rats. Furthermore, YKS inhibited microglial activation and promoted neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of these rats. These results suggest that the ameliorative effects of YKS on cognitive deficits may be mediated in part by the suppression of the inflammatory activation of microglia.

Conclusions

These findings shed light on the possible mechanism underlying the efficacy of YKS in treating SCZ.

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Title: Yokukansan promotes hippocampal neurogenesis associated with the suppression of activated microglia in Gunn rat
Authors: Motohide Furuya
Tsuyoshi Miyaoka
Toshiko Tsumori
Kristian Liaury
Sadayuki Hashioka
Rei Wake
Keiko Tsuchie
Michiyo Fukushima
Satoko Ezoe
Jun Horiguchi
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Neuroinflammation / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1742-2094
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-10-145

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Yokukansan promotes hippocampal neurogenesis associated with the suppression of activated microglia in Gunn rat

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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