[Experimental model of depression: neurochemical changes and the effects of imipramine and citalopram]

A study was made of the influence of the antidepressants imipramine and citalopram (10 mg/kg, chronic administration, i.p.) on the depression-like condition in submissive male rats. The above condition developed under the effect of chronic emotional stress because of successive experience of defeat in social confrontations (Kudryavtseva, Bakshtanovskaya, 1988). Imipramine rather than citalopram exerted a remarkable antidepressive effect recorded by the Porsolt's test. Measurements of the content of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline in brain structures have demonstrated changes in the serotoninergic and catecholaminergic systems in males with the depressive symptomatology in relation to intact animals. It should be mentioned that at different stages of pathological process formation, the role of certain structures and mediator systems underwent definite changes.