Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of melanin-concentrating hormone 1 receptor antagonist SNAP 94847

Background: Melatonin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) is a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of eating behavior, energy balance, mood, and the sleep/wake cycle. Aim: To study the effect of SNAP 94847, a selective melanin-concentrating hormone receptor type 1 (MCHR1) antagonist, on exploratory and emotional behavior in rats. Materials and methods: 38 male Wistar rats were used in the work. The selective MCHR1 antagonist SNAP 94847 was administered intranasally. The behavior of the animals was assessed in the tests: open field, elevated plus maze, Porsolt forced swimming, resident-intruder. Results: After intranasal administration SNAP 94847 there were an increase in the number of sniffs, the time of locomotion, and the number of squares crossed in open field test. In elevated plus maze test, after the administration of SNAP 94847, a decrease in the time spent by the animals in the closed arms of the maze was observed. In Porsolt forced swim test, the immobilization time decreased and the passive swimming time increased in experimental group. Conclusion: In animal tests, the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of the selective MCHR1 antagonist SNAP 94847 have been shown.