Neuropeptide-Y exerts antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test in rats

The effects of neuropeptide-Y were examined in the forced swim model of depression in rats. Following a 15-min preswim, four groups of rats were given three intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of neuropeptide-Y (0.5, 5, or 10 microg) or saline over a 24-h period. Several behaviors were subsequently measured during a 5-min forced swim. Neuropeptide-Y treatment dose dependently increased swimming and decreased immobility. The pattern of results is consistent with that produced by serotonergic antidepressant drugs in this model.