Luteolin shows antidepressant-like effect by inhibiting and downregulating plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT, Slc29a4)

Abstract

Luteolin is an important phytoestrogen with antidepressant effects found in many foods. We aimed to clarify the underlying antidepressant mechanisms of luteolin on PMAT associated with the monoamine hypothesis. We found rPmat had high expression in the limbic system, significant differences in mRNA expression between the pregnant and non-pregnant rats and an upward trend in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The results in the stably transfected cell models demonstrated that luteolin was the inhibitor of monoamine transporters. Further studies in C6 cells and primary hippocampal neurons revealed luteolin significantly downgraded PMAT mainly through the oestrogen β receptor (ERβ) and upgraded brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. These results for PMAT have also been demonstrated in ovariectomized depressed rats. In conclusion, luteolin could directly and indirectly inhibit serotonin reuptake, resulting in an increase in monoamine neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. These findings manifest the antidepressant mechanisms of luteolin through PMAT.

Keywords

• Luteolin
• PMAT
• Inhibitor
• Serotonin
• Depression