Effects of Chronic Citalopram Treatment on Central and Peripheral Spontaneous Open‐Field Behaviours in Rats

Abstract

Abstract:The spontaneous open-field behavioural effects of 10 days of chronic treatment with two clinical doses (10 and 20 mg/kg daily) and one high/toxic dose (100 mg/kg daily) of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram (delivered subcutaneously by implanted osmotic pumps) were examined in rats. Central and peripheral arena locomotor and rearing activities were recorded simultaneously, and the data were assessed during the first hour as well as during the following 24 hr (the latter for effects on the diurnal rhythm). Rats treated with 100 mg/kg daily exhibited lower peripheral locomotor and rearing activities than the other groups during the first test hour. The ratio between central and peripheral activity increased in a dose-dependent non-proportional manner during the first test hour, indicating a general increase in the central arena activity exerted by the rats when treated with citalopram. No major differences were observed between any of the four groups in overall behavioural activities over the 24-hr period. This study indicated that the open-field locomotor and rearing behaviours in normal rats were affected by increasing doses of racemic citalopram, particularly during the first hour of adaptation.

Citalopram counteracts depressive-like symptoms evoked by chronic social stress in rats

“…Such gastrointestinal disturbances might lead to reduced food intake and, because rats are prandial drinkers, also to lower water intake. CIT-treated rats gained significantly less weight than controls, an effect that was also observed in a previous study in rats (Kugelberg et al, 2002) as well as in a long-lasting human study (Goldstein and Goodnick, 1998).…”

Distance from source of reward as a marker for extinction-induced “despair”: Modulation by the antidepressants clomipramine and citalopram

“…In the OFT, locomotor and exploratory behavior also remained unaffected by the treatments. Other studies using the same rather low doses also did not report significant locomotor effects (Kugelberg et al, 2002). Based on the model of spatial withdrawal as a potential marker for extinction-induced despair, we investigated several variables reflecting the distance of the animals from the former reinforcing food cup and their exact residence during extinction.…”

“…Huston et al, 2012) and doses commonly used by other investigators working with chronic treatment of citalopram and clomipramine that did not evoke any locomotor side-effects (e.g. Kugelberg et al, 2002). Clomipramine Hcl (Tocris Ò ) was dissolved in distilled water; citalopram was acquired as an injection solution (Cipramil Ò ).…”

Effects on enantiomeric drug disposition and open-field behavior after chronic treatment with venlafaxine in the P-glycoprotein knockout mice model

“…The open-field test is the method of choice for analysing an animal's spontaneous behavior in response to a novel environment (Avgustinovich et al 2000;Gershenfeld et al 1997). Following a drug challenge this test in rodents gives hints for main clinical effects (Apelqvist et al 1999;Kennett et al 1987;Kugelberg et al 2002;Kugelberg et al 2005;Kugelberg et al 2006).…”