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Interleukin-2 potentiates novelty- and GBR 12909-induced exploratory activity
1Department of Psychiatry and Rutgers/UMDNJ Integrative Neuroscience Program, UMD-New Jersey Medical School, Medical Science Building, E-503, 185 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103-2714, USA. zalcmass@umdnj.edu
Brain Research
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) administration increases exploratory behavior in mice. This cytokine also persistently alters dopamine system sensitivity, suggesting a role in behavioral abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine known to affect behavior and dopamine activity.
- Aberrant mesolimbic dopamine activity is linked to behavioral abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) on exploratory behavior and dopamine system sensitivity in mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice received single or repeated intraperitoneal injections of murine IL-2.
- Behavioral responses, including novelty-induced locomotion and exploration, were measured.
- Sensitivity to a dopamine uptake inhibitor (GBR 12909) was assessed after IL-2 treatment.
Main Results:
- A single IL-2 injection significantly increased locomotion and exploration.
- Repeated IL-2 injections led to persistent behavioral activation.
- IL-2 treatment long-lastingly increased sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating effects of GBR 12909.
Conclusions:
- IL-2 interacts with the mesolimbic dopamine system, modifying its sensitivity.
- Cytokines may influence behavioral abnormalities through sensitization-like processes involving dopamine pathways.
