Human interferon-alpha increases immobility in the forced swimming test in rats.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the immobility of the forced swimming test induced in an animal model by human interferon (IFN), which has often been reported to induce depression in clinical use.


METHODS
In the present study, we examined the effects of human IFNs on results of the forced swimming test in rats.


RESULTS
Single intravenous (IV) administration of human IFN-alpha (6x10(4) IU/kg), but not of human IFN-beta or -gamma, significantly increased immobility time in the forced swimming test in rats. Repeated administration of human IFN-alpha (6x10(3) IU/kg) also significantly increased the immobility time. On the other hand, none of the rat IFNs (rat IFN-alpha, -beta and -gamma, 6x10(4) IU/kg, IV) changed the immobility time. Neither human IFNs nor rat IFNs changed the locomotor activity of rats.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that human IFN-alpha has a greater potential for inducing increase of the immobility in the rat forced swimming test than human IFN-beta and -gamma, and that the effect of human IFN-alpha might not be mediated through IFN-alpha/beta receptors.
Makino
M
M
Drug Safety Research Laboratory, Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 16-13, Kita-Kasai 1-Chome, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 134-8630, Japan. makinald@daiichipharm.co.jp
Kitano
Y
Y
Komiyama
C
C
Takasuna
K
K
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000494:pharmacology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013550:Swimming; D013997:Time Factors
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016899:Interferon-beta; D007371:Interferon-gamma