Reposição de vitamina B12 reduz comportamento depressivo induzido em ratos jovens

Abstract

Este artigo está licenciado sob forma de uma licença Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0 Internacional, que permite uso irrestrito, distribuição e reprodução em qualquer meio, desde que a publicação original seja corretamente citada. ABSTRACTAims: To assess whether mild vitamin B12 deficiency induces depression prior to the development of anemia, and whether vitamin B12 supplementation can act as a preventive measure against depression in young rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into control group (n=11) and B12 group (n=10). The B12 group received vitamin B12 supplementation in drinking water throughout the study. In Phase 1, all animals received a pectin-supplemented diet (50g/kg) for six weeks to induce vitamin B12 depletion. After that, the Porsolt test was applied for induction and evaluation of depressive state and blood was collected for a complete blood count. In Phase 2, which lasted two weeks, pectin was removed from the diet and the same tests were applied again at the end. Results: In both phases, erythrocyte count, hematocrit level, and hemoglobin concentration were normal, i.e., the rats did not develop anemia.