Activation of NOP receptor increases vulnerability to stress: role of glucocorticoids and CRF signaling

Rationale Recently, we demonstrated that the activation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) signaling facilitates depressive-like behaviors. Additionally, literature findings support the ability of the N/OFQ-NOP system to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Objectives Considering that dysfunctional HPA axis is strictly related to stress-induced psychopathologies, we aimed to study the role of the HPA axis in the pro-depressant effects of NOP agonists. Methods Mice were treated prior to stress with the NOP agonist Ro 65-6570, and immobility time in the forced swimming task and corticosterone levels were measured. Additionally, the role of endogenous glucocorticoids and CRF was investigated using the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone and the CRF 1 antagonist antalarmin in the mediation of the effects of Ro 65-6570. Results The NOP agonist in a dose-dependent manner further increased the immobility of mice in the second swimming session compared to vehicle. By contrast, under the same conditions, the administration of the NOP antagonist SB-612111 before stress reduced immobility, while the antidepressant nortriptyline was inactive. Concerning in-serum corticosterone in mice treated with vehicle, nortriptyline, or SB-612111, a significant decrease was observed after re-exposition to stress, but no differences were detected in Ro 65-6570-treated mice. Administration of mifepristone or antalarmin blocked the Ro 65-6570-induced increase in the immobility time in the second swimming session. Conclusions Present findings suggest that NOP agonists increase vulnerability to depression by hyperactivating the HPA axis and then increasing stress circulating hormones and CRF 1 receptor signaling.