Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Elevated Plus Maze Test Combined with Video Tracking Software to Investigate the Anxiolytic Effect of Exogenous Ketogenic Supplements
Published on: January 7, 2019
Increased schedule-induced polydipsia in the rat following subchronic treatment with MK-801
Emily R Hawken1, Nicholas J Delva, James N Reynolds
1Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
Abstract:
Primary polydipsia, defined as excessive fluid intake not explained by medical causes, has been reported to occur in over 20% of chronically ill psychiatric inpatients and is especially common in schizophrenic populations. We tested the hypothesis that in an animal model of schizophrenia-like symptoms (subchronic injections of MK-801, 0.5 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days) an increase in the acquisition of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) will occur. Young adult, male rats acquired SIP when food-restricted and placed on a non-contingent fixed-time 1-min food schedule. In comparison with saline-treated control animals, subchronic MK-801 treatment significantly increased SIP. These findings suggest an animal model of polydipsia associated with schizophrenia in humans.
Insights
Researchers studied primary polydipsia in rats using MK-801 to model schizophrenia. Results showed MK-801 significantly increased schedule-induced polydipsia, suggesting a potential animal model for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Animal Models
Background:
- Primary polydipsia, excessive thirst not due to medical conditions, affects over 20% of psychiatric inpatients.
- This condition is particularly prevalent in individuals with schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of an animal model of schizophrenia-like symptoms on schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP).
- To test the hypothesis that subchronic MK-801 administration increases SIP acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Young adult male rats were used to establish schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) under food restriction.
- Rats received subchronic injections of MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days) or saline.
Main Results:
- Subchronic MK-801 treatment significantly increased the acquisition of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) in rats.
- Control animals treated with saline did not exhibit the same increase in SIP.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the use of subchronic MK-801 administration as an animal model for studying polydipsia associated with schizophrenia.
- This model may provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying excessive water intake in schizophrenia.
More Related Videos
08:10A Mouse Model of Subchronic and Mild Social Defeat Stress for Understanding Stress-induced Behavioral and Physiological Deficits
Published on: November 24, 2015
07:33Sucrose Preference and Novelty-Induced Hypophagia Tests in Rats using an Automated Food Intake Monitoring System
Published on: May 8, 2020