Dipeptide Tyr-Leu (YL) exhibits anxiolytic-like activity after oral administration via activating serotonin 5-HT1A, dopamine D1 and GABAA receptors in mice.

We found that Tyr-Leu (YL) dose-dependently exhibits potent anxiolytic-like activity (0.1-1mg/kg, i.p.) comparable to diazepam in the elevated plus-maze test in mice. YL was orally active (0.3-3mg/kg). A retro-sequence peptide or a mixture of Tyr and Leu was inactive. The anxiolytic-like activity of YL was inhibited by antagonists for serotonin 5-HT(1A), dopamine D(1) and GABA(A) receptors; however, YL had no affinity for them. We also determined the order of their activation is 5-HT(1A), D(1) and GABA(A) receptors using selective agonists and antagonists. Taken together, YL may exhibit anxiolytic-like activity via activation of 5-HT(1A), D(1) and GABA(A) receptors. 2009 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.