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Acute systemic rapamycin induces neurobehavioral alterations in rats
Martin Hadamitzky1, Arne Herring2, Kathy Keyvani2
1Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
Behavioural Brain Research
|July 22, 2014
Summary
Acute rapamycin treatment in rats increased amygdala neuronal activity and anxiety-like behaviors. This suggests rapamycin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug targeting mTOR, crucial for cell growth.
- Patients on immunosuppressants often experience affective disorders, but the cause is unclear.
- The neurobehavioral effects of acute rapamycin are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobehavioral effects of acute, low-dose rapamycin administration in rats.
- To explore the impact of rapamycin on amygdala activity and anxiety-related behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Systemic administration of a single low dose of rapamycin (3mg/kg) to rats.
- Intracerebral electroencephalography and FOS protein expression analysis in the amygdala.
- Behavioral testing using the elevated plus-maze and open-field tests.
Main Results:
- Rapamycin enhanced amygdala neuronal activity and FOS expression.
- Increased anxiety-related behaviors were observed in rapamycin-treated rats.
- Elevated amygdaloid expression of KLK8 and FKBP51 correlated with behavioral changes.
Conclusions:
- Acute rapamycin treatment induces anxiety-like behavior in rats.
- mTOR inhibition affects amygdala activity and protein expression beyond mTOR pathways.
- Findings suggest rapamycin therapy may impact neuropsychological functioning.
