GHRP-6 · research summary

A novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor induces antidepressant, pro-cognitive, and anti-anhedonic effects in Flinders Sensitive Line rats: The role of the ghrelin-dopamine cascade.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2025. Summary drawn from the study's abstract. Each statement is followed by the exact sentence it comes from. This is a research summary, not medical advice.

Study type

Evaluation of a novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat model of MDD
“The dose-dependent antidepressant effects of a novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor (BChEI) were evaluated in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat model of MDD.”

Subjects

Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats
“The dose-dependent antidepressant effects of a novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor (BChEI) were evaluated in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat model of MDD.”

Reported findings

BChEI significantly outperformed escitalopram in enhancing reward-related and cognitive behaviours
“BChEI significantly outperformed escitalopram in enhancing reward-related and cognitive behaviours.”
BChEI treatment significantly increased ghrelin ratios and brain DA levels without altering brain 5-HT, ACh or BDNF
“Biochemically, BChEI treatment significantly increased ghrelin ratios and brain DA levels without altering brain 5-HT, ACh or BDNF.”
Ghrelin receptor antagonist reversed the antidepressant-like, rewarding, and pro-cognitive effects of BChEI
“D-Lys-3-GHRP-6 significantly reversed the antidepressant-like, rewarding, and pro-cognitive effects of BChEI, accompanied by significant reductions in BDNF and DA.”

Source: PubMed 40318448 · DOI 10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118093 · all study summaries