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Alarm substance induces convulsions in imipramine-treated rats

E L Abel1, P J Bilitzke, D B Cotton

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|March 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Imipramine did not alter rat behavior in fresh water. However, combining imipramine with an alarm substance stressor induced clonic convulsions in male rats, suggesting a novel convulsion pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The forced-swim test is a common behavioral paradigm in rodents.
  • Alarm substances in animal urine can induce stress responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of imipramine on rat behavior in the forced-swim test.
  • To determine if imipramine, in combination with an alarm substance, can induce convulsions.

Main Methods:

  • Male rats were administered imipramine (0-30 mg/kg).
  • Rats were tested in the forced-swim test using either fresh water or water containing an alarm substance.
  • Adrenalectomy was performed in a subset of animals.

Main Results:

  • Imipramine alone did not affect rat behavior in fresh water.
  • A combination of imipramine (30 mg/kg) and alarm substance stress resulted in clonic convulsions in over 50% of rats.
  • Adrenalectomy did not alter the observed relationship between imipramine, alarm substance, and convulsions.

Conclusions:

  • Alarm substances have the potential to induce convulsions in rats.
  • This study highlights a novel interaction between imipramine and stress-induced alarm substances in precipitating seizures.

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