Research Article: Kamishoyosan reduces anxiety-like behavior by modulating GABAA receptor subunit expression in a premenstrual syndrome rat model
Abstract:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) involve psychological symptoms that impact women’s quality of life. PMS pathogenesis is characterized by fluctuations in steroid hormones and ?-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) subunits. Kamishoyosan (KSS) is a Kampo medicine typically used to treat menstrual-related symptoms. This study aimed to elucidate the anxiolytic effect of KSS and its underlying mechanisms in a progesterone withdrawal (PWD)-induced PMS rat model.
KSS was administered via feed mixing, and elevated plus maze test and molecular biological analysis were conducted.
PWD rats showed increased anxiety-like behavior and expression of GABAAR ?4 and ? subunits mRNA in the hippocampal CA1 region, suggesting that decreased inhibitory GABA synaptic signaling contributes to anxiety-like behavior. KSS administration reduced anxiety-like behavior and the expression of GABAAR ?4 and ? subunits, but no significant effect was observed on steroid hormone levels.
These findings suggest that KSS exerts anxiolytic effects by reversing changes in ?4 and ? subunit expression without affecting steroid hormone fluctuations. The different mechanism of action of KSS compared with GABAAR agonists may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for PMS.
Introduction:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) involve psychological symptoms that impact women’s quality of life. PMS pathogenesis is characterized by fluctuations in steroid hormones and ?-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) subunits. Kamishoyosan (KSS) is a Kampo medicine typically used to treat menstrual-related symptoms. This study aimed to elucidate the anxiolytic effect of KSS and its underlying mechanisms in a progesterone withdrawal (PWD)-induced PMS rat model.
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