Sertraline Induces Toxicity and Behavioral Alterations in Planarians

Area of Science:

• Neurotoxicology
• Pharmacology
• Animal models

Background:

• Sertraline toxicity is increasingly recognized across various cell types and organisms.
• Planarians are valuable models for neurotoxicology and neuropharmacological research due to their biological characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neurotoxic effects of sertraline on planarians.
• To determine the dose-dependent behavioral and physiological responses to sertraline exposure in planarians.

Main Methods:

• Planarians were exposed to varying concentrations of sertraline (0.4 µM, 4 µM, 10 µM).
• Behavioral assessments included spontaneous movement, locomotion, and seizure-like activity (paroxysms).
• Tissue damage and mortality were monitored over 72 hours, with post-withdrawal observations up to 24 hours.

Main Results:

• 10 µM sertraline induced immobility, seizures, tissue damage, and death within 72 hours.
• Lower concentrations (0.4 µM and 4 µM) caused significant reductions in locomotory activity.
• Even after withdrawal, 4 µM sertraline exposure led to persistent behavioral alterations, including reduced locomotion and increased paroxysms.

Conclusions:

• Sertraline exhibits dose-dependent neurotoxicity in planarians.
• Behavioral alterations occur at concentrations compatible with therapeutic levels, suggesting potential risks.
• Residual biological consequences of sertraline exposure are evident in planarians even after drug withdrawal.