Background: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has the capacity to selectively direct thalamocortical projections into an intermediate target, the pallidum, and eventually to their final cortical destination. HGF may have a role in the mediation of anxiety. Very little is known about other central behavioral effects of HGF.
Objective: Our aim was to determine what effect HGF has on anxiety in rats.
Methods: HGF was infused at a constant rate into cerebral lateral ventricles and its effect on anxiety in rats was monitored.
Results: In the elevated plus maze test and the black and white box test, HGF administration caused all indicators of anxiety to increase. No significant effect on general locomotor activity was seen.
Conclusion: HGF infusion into the brain produces an anxiolytic effect.