Ivabradine does not impair anxiety-like behavior and memory in both healthy and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases are often linked to behavioral issues like anxiety.
• Ivabradine, a sinoatrial node channel inhibitor, lowers heart rate and protects the cardiovascular system.
• Limited data exists on ivabradine's behavioral impact despite its clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential psycho-behavioral effects of ivabradine in healthy and hypertensive rat models.
• To assess ivabradine's impact on anxiety-like behavior, locomotion, and cognitive function.
• To determine the safety profile of ivabradine concerning behavioral manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to induce hypertension in rats.
• Administered ivabradine to both control and L-NAME-treated rats for four weeks.
• Assessed behavioral changes using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test and cognitive function tests.

Main Results:

• Ivabradine significantly reduced elevated systolic blood pressure in L-NAME-treated rats.
• Ivabradine decreased heart rate in both control and L-NAME groups.
• In control rats, ivabradine enhanced open arm exploration in the EPM, suggesting reduced anxiety. No significant anxiolytic effect was observed in hypertensive rats.
• Ivabradine did not negatively impact cognitive function or locomotion in either group.

Conclusions:

• Ivabradine demonstrates a favorable psycho-behavioral safety profile.
• The drug may offer anxiolytic benefits in certain contexts without impairing cognitive function.
• This study provides the first evidence of ivabradine's safety regarding psycho-behavioral effects in animal models.