ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
Neurotensin
;
Dopamine
;
Mesolimbic system
;
Antidepressant activity
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Locomotor activity and behaviour in the forced swimming test were examined in rats which had received neurotensin (0.5–5.0 µg) in the ventral tegmental area. Doses of 5 µg neurotensin but not lower increased the locomotor activity for at least 2 h. At 0.5 and 1.0 µg neurotensin significantly increased the time the animals spent in struggling with no changes in general motor activity (swimming). The effect of 1.0 µg neurotensin on struggling was completely antagonized by 0.5 µg (−)-sulpiride administered in the posterior nucleus accumbens. The results suggest that activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system through administration of neurotensin in the ventral tegmental area produces antidepressant-like effects. The significance of these findings for a role of endogenous neurotensin in depression remains to be clarified.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02245885
