Energy metabolism, leptin, and biochemical parameters are altered in rats subjected to the chronic administration of olanzapine.
OBJECTIVE
Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug with affinities for dopamine, serotonin, and histamine binding sites appears to be associated with substantial weight gain and metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate weight gain and metabolic alterations in rats treated with olanzapine on a hypercaloric diet.


METHODS
We used 40 rats divided into 4 groups: Group 1, standard food and water conditions (control); Group 2, standard diet plus olanzapine; Group 3, cafeteria diet (hypercaloric); and Group 4, olanzapine plus cafeteria diet. Olanzapine was administered by gavage at a dose of 3 mg/kg for 9 weeks. RESULTS There were no significant changes in the cholesterol levels in any group. Glucose levels increased in Group 3 by the fourth week. Triglyceride levels were altered in group 2 toward the end of the experiment. Leptin levels decreased in Groups 2 and 4. Complex II activity in the muscles and liver was altered in Group 2 (muscle), and Groups 2, 3, and 4 (liver). Complex IV activity was altered only in the liver in Group 2, without significant alterations within the muscles.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that olanzapine is correlated with weight gain and the risks associated with obesity.
Neurosciences Laboratory, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Avenida Universitária, Criciúma, SC, Brazil. zugno@terra.com.br
Alexandra I
AI
Zugno
Mariely
M
Barcelos
Larissa de
Ld
Oliveira
Leila
L
Canever
Renata D de
RD
Luca
Daiane B
DB
Fraga
Maria Paula
MP
Matos
Gislaine T
GT
Rezin
Giselli
G
Scaini
Márcio
M
Búrigo
Emilio L
EL
Streck
João
J
Quevedo
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D000077152:Olanzapine; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D020738:Leptin; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine