[Effect of afobazole on brain-ischemia-induced anxiety in rats]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Behavioral Science

Context:

• Local cerebral ischemia, such as middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), is a significant cause of neurological dysfunction.
• Anxiety is a common and debilitating symptom following ischemic events.
• Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying post-ischemic anxiety is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose:

• To investigate the efficacy of afobazole, a selective anxiolytic, in preventing anxiety induced by local cerebral ischemia in a rat model.
• To determine if tolerance develops with prolonged afobazole administration in the context of ischemia.

Summary:

• Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats induced anxiety, with severity correlating to occlusion duration.
• Afobazole (1 mg/kg) administered for 6 days post-MCAO significantly ameliorated anxiety behaviors, as evidenced by elevated plus maze test results.
• Continuous afobazole administration for 12 days did not lead to tolerance, indicating sustained efficacy.

Impact:

• Afobazole demonstrates a pronounced anxiolytic effect even under conditions of local cerebral ischemia.
• These findings suggest afobazole as a potential therapeutic agent for managing anxiety associated with stroke and other ischemic brain injuries.
• The lack of tolerance suggests a viable long-term treatment option for post-ischemic anxiety.