Behavior in the open field predicts the number of KCl-induced cortical spreading depressions in rats

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are known to be comorbid with migraine, and cortical spreading depression (CSD) is the most likely cause of the migraine aura. To search for possible correlations between susceptibility to CSD and anxiety we used the open field test in male Sprague-Dawley rats chronically treated with the preventive anti-migraine drugs valproate or riboflavin. Animals avoiding the central area of the open field chamber and those with less exploratory activity (i.e. rearing) were considered more anxious. After 4 weeks of treatment CSDs were elicited by application of 1 M KCl over the occipital cortex and the number of CSDs occurring over a 2 hour period was compared to the previously assessed open field behaviour. Higher anxiety-like behaviour was significantly correlated with a higher frequency of KCl-induced CSDs. In saline-treated animals, fewer rearings were found in animals with more frequent CSDs (R= −1.00). The duration of ambulatory episodes in the open field center correlated negatively with number of CSDs in the valproate group (R= −0.83; p<0.005) and in riboflavin treated group (R= −0.69; p<0.05) as well as total time spent in the open field center in both groups (R= −0.75; p<0.05 and R= −0.58; p<0.1 respectively). These results suggest that anxiety symptoms are associated with susceptibility to CSD and might explain why it can be an aggravating factor in migraine with aura.

The CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN4096 inhibits prolonged meningeal afferent activation evoked by brief local K+stimulation but not cortical spreading depression-induced afferent sensitization but not cortical spreading depression-induced afferent sensitization

“…Our finding of acute and prolonged activation of meningeal afferents following epidural K + stimulation at a much lower dose, that does not promote CSD, thus have important implications for the interpretation of previous studies that used K + stimulation to study the effect of CSD on trigeminal/meningeal pain (e.g. 22,[64][65][66] ). Future studies that employ the CSD paradigm to study related trigeminal responses and their underlying mechanisms thus should be conscientious about the CSD induction method employed.…”

Correlation between learning and alcoholization in rats

“…Behavioural studies and separation into groups. At the beginning of the experiment, the behaviour of rats was evaluated using the open-field tests (Belzung and Griebel, 2001;Bogdanov et al, 2013). After testing, the rats were divided into two balanced groups:…”

“…Individual reactivity and the anxiety level of the rats were determined using the "open field" and "elevated plus maze" tests (Bogdanov et al, 2013;Buresh et al, 1991).…”

Fetal growth restriction mice are more likely to exhibit depression‐like behaviors due to stress‐induced loss of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA

“…Behavioral tests were performed as described previously. [37][38][39] Open field test: The open field apparatus (Med Associates, St. Albans, VT05478, United States) consisted of a clear, open plastic box (40x40x30 cm) with an overhead camera, and the movements of mice were detected. The box was placed in a small soundproof chamber to prevent external sound interference.…”