title: Administration of kynurenine during adolescence, but not during adulthood, impairs social behavior in rats.
abstract: Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a tryptophan metabolite that is present at high concentrations in the brains of persons with schizophrenia. This study tested the hypothesis that treatment with L-kynurenine (L-KYN), which increases KYNA concentration, would produce deficits in social behavior similar to those associated with schizophrenia. Rats treated with L-KYN throughout adolescence exhibited decreased social interaction when tested drug-free as adults. In contrast, neither acute nor chronic treatment during adulthood affected social behavior. These findings demonstrate that increases in KYNA concentration produce deficits in social behavior and that the adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to the effects of high KYNA concentration.
authors: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States.
authors: Katelyn V
authors: KV
authors: Trecartin
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: Bucci
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007737:Kynurenine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007737:Kynurenine