%0 Journal Article %A Caio Maximino %T FGIN-1-27, an agonist at translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), has anti-anxiety and anti-panic effects in non-mammalian models %D 2016 %R 10.1101/056507 %J bioRxiv %P 056507 %X FGIN-1-27 is an agonist at the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), a cholesterol transporter that is associated with neurosteroidogenesis. This protein has been identified as a peripheral binding site for benzodiazepines; in anamniotes, however, a second TSPO isoform that is absent in amniotes has been implicated in erythropoiesis. Functional conservation of the central benzodiazepine binding site located in GABAA receptors has been demonstrated in anamniotes and amniotes alike; however, the same was not previously demonstrated for TSPO. FGIN-1-27 reduced anxiety-like behavior in the zebrafish light/dark preference test which are comparable to diazepam with fewer sedative effects. Similarly, FGIN-1-27 also reduced anxiety-and fear-like behaviors in the defense test battery in wall lizards, again producing fewer sedative-like effects than diazepam; the benzodiazepine was also unable to reduce fear-like behaviors in this species. Theseresults A) underline the functional conservation of TSPO in defensive behavior in anamniotes; B) strengthen the proposal of using anamniote behavioras models in behavioral pharmacology; and C) suggest TSPO/neurosteroidogenesis as a target in treating anxiety disorders. %U https://www.biorxiv.org/content/biorxiv/early/2016/06/01/056507.full.pdf