Blocking the daily rhythm molecule prokineticin 2 reduces anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice

Intracerebroventricular infusion of Prokineticin 2 (PK2) increased anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in mice.

• Disrupted circadian rhythms are associated with mood disorders.
• The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the primary control center for circadian rhythms in mammals.
• PK2 is important for conveying circadian signals from the SCN and is found in areas related to mood regulation.
• Mice infused with PK2 showed increased anxiety-like behavior in a light-dark box test.
• PK2 infusion also resulted in heightened depression-like behavior in a forced swimming test.
• Mice lacking the PK2 gene exhibited significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression-like behaviors.

Simplified