Reward related neurotransmitter changes in a model of depression: An in vivo microdialysis study. (3rd October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruda-Kucerova, Jana; Amchova, Petra; Havlickova, Tereza; Jerabek, Pavel; Babinska, Zuzana; Kacer, Petr; Syslova, Kamila; Sulcova, Alexandra; Sustkova-Fiserova, Magdalena
• Is Part Of: World journal of biological psychiatry. Volume 16:Number 7(2015)
• Page Start: 521
• Page End: 535
• Publication Date: 2015-10-03
• Subjects: Depression -- in vivo microdialysis -- methamphetamine -- olfactory bulbectomy -- rats; Biological psychiatry -- Periodicals; Biological Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1077991
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1562-2975

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives : The self-medication hypothesis assumes that symptoms related to potential monoaminergic deficits in depression may be relieved by drug abuse. The aim of this study was to elucidate the neurotransmitter changes in a rat model of depression by measuring their levels in the nucleus accumbens shell, which is typically involved in the drug of abuse acquisition mechanism. Methods : Depression was modelled by the olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in Wistar male rats. In vivo microdialysis was performed, starting from the baseline and following after a single methamphetamine injection and behaviour was monitored. The determination of neurotransmitters and their metabolites was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Results : OBX animals had lower basal levels of dopamine and serotonin and their metabolites. However, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate levels were increased. The methamphetamine injection induced stronger dopamine and serotonin release in the OBX rats and lower release of glutamate in comparison with sham-operated rats; GABA levels did not differ significantly. Conclusions : This study provides an evidence of mesolimbic neurotransmitter changes in the rat model of depression which may elucidate mechanisms underlying intravenous self-administration studies in which OBX rats were demonstrated to have higher drug intake in comparison to intact controls.