Effects of the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) antagonist on brain functions in mice.

The growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) antagonist MZ-4-71 has been shown to suppress secretion of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secretion. These findings suggested that GH-RH antagonists could be used for the therapy of disorders characterized by excessive GH secretion. A number of GH-RH antagonists has been synthesized, and shown to suppress the growth of various tumors. However, little is known about the possible action of GR-RH antagonists on brain functions. In the present work, the influence of MZ-4-71 on different aspects of brain function was studied in mice, following its administration into the lateral brain ventricle. The effects tested included the action of MZ-4-71 on passive avoidance learning and on the impairment of the consolidation of a passive avoidance reflex caused by beta-amyloid 25-35, antidepressive action in a forced swimming test, and anxiolytic action on plus-maze and open-field behavior. MZ-4-71 facilitated the consolidation of passive avoidance learning. Beta-amyloid 25-35 administered immediately after the learning trial impaired the consolidation of passive avoidance learning. MZ-4-71 fully blocked this impairment when given simultaneously with or 30min following beta-amyloid 25-35 administration icv. In the forced swimming tests, MZ-47-1 demonstrated antidepressive-like action and in the plus-maze, depending on the dose used it elicited mild anxiolytic action, however, in open-field behavior tests, it displayed no action on locomotion, rearing or grooming. The results demonstrate that MZ-4-71 affects the brain functions: by improving memory consolidation in passive avoidance learning and correcting the impairment of the memory consolidation caused by beta-amyloid 25-35. MZ-4-71 also elicits anxiolytic and antidepressive effects, but it does not influence the open-field activity. Further experimental work with MZ-4-71 is necessary, to determine the possible mechanism of action. The results imply a possible merit of a clinical trial with MZ-4-71 in patients with anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment, as observed in Alzheimer's disease.