10 Shots
 
Neuroprotection & Reduction of excitotoxic damage.
* In rat model of kainic acid-induced seizures (which cuase excitotoxic damage in the hippocampus), administration of Astressin before or after a seizure induction reduced neural loss by a large margin ( up to 84% in some hippocampal areas)
* It delayed onset of seizures when given prior to CRF infusion, sometimes prevented them in a subset of animals.
 
Reducing Anxiety / Stress / Fear Behaviours
* In socially isolated male rats which displayed increased anxiety and fear/phobic behaviour, intranasal Astressin decreased anxiety and fear behaviour.
* It tends to reduce the behavioural manifestations of stress.
 
Effects on sleep / wakefulness
In rats, Astressin administered into the brain reduced spontaneous waking in later hours and increased slow-wave sleep (SWS), indicating it modulates sleep architecture when blocking CRF signalling.
 
Reversal / Prevention of stress – induced hair loss (Alopecia)
* In mice overexpressing CRF (A model of chronic stress), Astressin-B given peripherally reversed alopecia : Hair regrowth was observed, pigmentation returned, and follicles moved from resting (telogen) to growth (anagen) phase.
* In young CRF – overexpressing mice, it prevented the development of hair loss.
Modulation of sexual / reproductive behaviour under stress or hormone priming
*In female hamsters that typically do not show normal estrous behaviour (“non-responders” under certain hormonal conditions), Astressin infusion restored sexual receptivity when paired with a mating experience.
 
Effects on food intake / weight under stress
*In studies with restrained rats (a model of stress), Astressin influenced food intake, it partially prevented CRF-induced suppression of feeding in some conditions.