Olanzapine alters the expression of gasotransmitter-related enzymes: CBS and HO-2 in the rat hippocampus and striatum

Background Gaseous neurotransmitters have been thought to be novel factors involved in the mechanisms of mental disorders pathogenesis for quite some time. However, little is known about the potential crosstalk between neuronal gasotransmitter signaling and neuroleptics action. The present work was, therefore, focused on gene expression of H 2 S and CO-producing enzymes in the brains of rats chronically treated with olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug. Methods Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats that were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental animals treated with olanzapine (28-day-long intraperitoneal injection, at a dose of 5 mg/kg daily). All individuals were sacrificed under anesthesia and the whole brains excised. Immunohistochemical procedure was used for histological assessment of the whole brain and for quantitative analysis of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2) protein distribution in selected brain structures. Results Long-term treatment with olanzapine is reflected in different changes in the number of enzymes-expressing cells in the rat brain. Olanzapine decreased the number of CBS-expressing cells and possibly reduced H 2 S synthesis in the hippocampus and striatum. The antipsychotic administration increased the number of HO-2 immunopositive cells and probably stimulated the CO production in the hippocampus. Conclusions Modulatory effect of olanzapine on cellular mechanisms of gasotransmitter synthesis may be an alternative way of their pharmacological action.