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- Title
Behavioral and molecular evidence for psychotropic effects in l-theanine.
- Authors
Wakabayashi, Chisato; Numakawa, Tadahiro; Ninomiya, Midori; Chiba, Shuichi; Kunugi, Hiroshi
- Abstract
Rationale: l-Theanine ( N-ethyl- l-glutamine) is an amino acid uniquely found in green tea and historically considered to be a relaxing agent. It is a glutamate derivative and has an affinity for glutamatergic receptors. However, its psychotropic effects remain unclear. Objectives: To elucidate effects of l-theanine on psychiatric disease-related behaviors in mice and its molecular basis focusing on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Methods: We examined the effects of l-theanine on behaviors in mice by using the open-field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle. By western blot analysis, we looked at the effect of l-theanine on the expression of BDNF and related proteins in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. To determine whether l-theanine has agonistic action on the NMDA receptor, we performed Fluo-3 intracellular Ca imaging in cultured cortical neurons. Results: Single administration of l-theanine significantly attenuated MK-801-induced deficits in PPI. Subchronic administration (3-week duration) of l-theanine significantly reduced immobility time in the FST and improved baseline PPI. Western blotting analysis showed increased expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus after subchronic administration of l-theanine. In cultured cortical neurons, l-theanine significantly increased the intracellular Ca concentration, and this increase was suppressed by competitive and non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists (AP-5 and MK-801, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that l-theanine has antipsychotic-like and possibly antidepressant-like effects. It exerts these effects, at least in part, through induction of BDNF in the hippocampus and the agonistic action of l-theanine on the NMDA receptor.
- Subjects
MENTAL illness treatment; PSYCHIATRIC drugs; THEANINE; NEUROTROPHIC functions; METHYL aspartate; DRUG efficacy; BEHAVIORAL assessment; LABORATORY mice
- Publication
Psychopharmacology, 2012, Vol 219, Issue 4, p1099
- ISSN
0033-3158
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00213-011-2440-z