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Zinc exhibits an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test in mice
1Department of Neurobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
The effects of zinc, the NMDA receptor inhibitor, were studied in the forced swimming (Porsolt's) test in mice. Zinc (ZnSO4) at a dose of 30 mg/kg (but not at a dose of 10 mg/kg), similarly to imipramine (30 mg/kg), reduced the immobility time in that test. Moreover, zinc at both doses reduced the locomotor activity. The obtained results indicate that zinc induces an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test. Since zinc reduces the locomotor activity, this antidepressant-like effect is not related to the alteration of general activity.
Insights
Zinc supplementation shows antidepressant-like effects in mice by reducing immobility in the forced swimming test, independent of general activity levels. This suggests potential therapeutic benefits for mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The forced swimming test is a widely used behavioral paradigm to screen for antidepressant-like activity in rodents.
- N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a crucial role in neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity, and their modulation is implicated in mood regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential antidepressant-like effects of zinc (ZnSO4) in a mouse model.
- To determine if zinc's effects in the forced swimming test are related to alterations in general locomotor activity.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized the forced swimming test in mice to assess behavioral despair.
- Mice were administered varying doses of zinc sulfate (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) or imipramine (30 mg/kg) as a positive control.
- Locomotor activity was measured to control for general changes in motor function.
Main Results:
- Zinc sulfate at a dose of 30 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test, similar to imipramine.
- Zinc sulfate at 10 mg/kg did not produce a significant antidepressant-like effect.
- Zinc administration at both doses led to a reduction in locomotor activity.
Conclusions:
- Zinc exhibits antidepressant-like properties in mice, as evidenced by reduced immobility in the forced swimming test.
- The observed antidepressant-like effect of zinc is not attributable to increased general locomotor activity, as zinc reduced activity levels.
- These findings suggest that zinc may be a potential therapeutic agent for depression, warranting further investigation into its underlying mechanisms.