Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors in Indole Derivative Treated Mice: Neuropharmacological Perspectives

Abstract

Aim/objective. When applied in pharmacological doses, the indole derivative melatonin exhibits neuroactive and neuroprotective effects. Indoles and their metabolites, such as kynurenine, are ligands of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR). This study aimed to evaluate the antiepileptic and analgesic activity of melatonin and two synthetic melatonin derivatives. The possible involvement of AhR and kynurenine in their neuropharmacological effects were also tested.

Keywords

• melatonin
• indole derivatives
• corneal kindling
• analgesia
• aryl hydrocarbon receptors
• kynurenine