Chronic treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid changes aggressive behaviours in the resident-intruder paradigm in rats.
Retinoids, vitamin A related compounds, have an established role in the development of the nervous system and are increasingly recognized to play a role in adult brain function. The synthetic retinoid, 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA, Roaccutane) is widely used to treat severe acne but has been linked to an increased risk of neuropsychiatric side effects, including depression. Here we report that chronic administration with 13-cis-RA (1 mg/kg i.p. daily, 7-14 days) in adult rats reduced aggression- and increased flight-related behaviours in the resident-intruder paradigm. However, in the forced swim, sucrose consumption and open field tests treatment for up to 6 weeks with 13-cis-RA did not modify behaviour in adult or juvenile animals. The behavioural change observed in the resident-intruder paradigm is directly opposite to that observed with chronic antidepressant administration. These findings indicate that when a suitably sensitive behavioural test is employed then chronic administration of 13-cis-RA in adult rats induces behavioural changes consistent with a pro-depressant action.
Trent
Simon
S
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
Drew
Cheney J G
CJ
Mitchell
Paul J
PJ
Bailey
Sarah J
SJ
D000367:Age Factors; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004924:Escape Reaction / Q000187:drug effects; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000187:drug effects; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013395:Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013550:Swimming / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D013549:Sweetening Agents; D013395:Sucrose; D015474:Isotretinoin