Effects of pregabalin on neurobehavior in an adult male rat model of PTSD

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a very debilitating condition. Effective approaches to prevent and treat PTSD are important areas of basic science research. Pregabalin (PGB), a gabapentinoid derivative of γ-aminobutyric acid, possesses the potential to positively affect neurobehavioral changes associated with PTSD. Using a rodent model of PTSD, the aims of this study were to determine the effects of PGB as a possible prevention for the development of PTSD-like symptoms and its use as a possible treatment. A prospective, experimental, between groups design was used in conjunction with a three-day restraint/shock PTSD stress model. Sixty rats were randomly assigned between two groups, non-stressed and stressed (PTSD). Each of the main two groups was then randomly assigned into six experimental groups: control vehicle, control PGB, control naïve, PTSD vehicle, PTSD Pre-PGB (prophylactic), PTSD Post-PGB (non-prophylactic). The neurobehavioral components of PTSD were evaluated using the elevated plus maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWM), and forced swim test (FST). Pregabalin administered 24 hours before the initial PTSD event or for 10 days following the last PTSD stress event did not statistically improve mean open arm exploration on the EPM, spatial memory, and learning in the MWM or behavioral despair measured by the FST (p > 0.05).

Silibinin prevents depression-like behaviors in a single prolonged stress rat model: the possible role of serotonin

“…behaviors and also show general and fear-related memory disorders [3], which is similar to the pattern of clinical symptoms observed in PTSD patients [4]. Physiologically, PTSD alters the neurochemical balances and changes the structure of the brain [5]. For example, PTSD increases hippocampal loss, which is associated with alterations in associative learning and spatial memory, and enhances amygdala (Amg) activation, which contributes to the commitment of traumatic events into long-term memory [5].…”

“…Physiologically, PTSD alters the neurochemical balances and changes the structure of the brain [5]. For example, PTSD increases hippocampal loss, which is associated with alterations in associative learning and spatial memory, and enhances amygdala (Amg) activation, which contributes to the commitment of traumatic events into long-term memory [5]. Accordingly, mice that experience PTSD like symptoms following repeated exposure to traumatic events exhibit the overgeneralization of fear in an environmental context.…”

Contribution of intraganglionic CGRP to migraine-like responses in male and female rats

“…Based on an a priori power analysis using the GPower 3.1 software (14), which, with a large standardized effect size of F = 0.5, power of 0.8, and α = 0.05, estimated eight rats per group. Based on this observation, in previous studies that have used the same animal models (12,15,16) and considering replacement, reduction, and refinement in optimizing animal use, it was determined a sample size of 6–9 animals per group.…”

Evaluation of the effects of L-Theanine on neurobehavior in an adult male Sprague-Dawley Rat Model of PTSD

“…Stress exposure consisted of one two-hour session per day of immobilization and tail-shocks, as previously described in our work (36). Rats were restrained in a transparent acrylic glass tube and 40 electric shocks (2 mA, 3s duration) were applied at random intervals (140 -180s).…”

“…The EPM is a widely utilized and validated instrument to measure anxiety in the rodent model (38). As cited in our previous manuscript (36), the EPM is made entirely of Plexiglas ® and consists of a set of opposing open arms and a set of opposing closed arms (50cm X 10cm). The two open arms are lined with 1 cm high Plexiglas ® on the sides to avoid falls.…”