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Are Predator Smell (TMT)-Induced Behavioral Alterations in Rats Able to Inhibit Seizures?
Polianna Delfino-Pereira1, Poliana Berti Dutra1,2, Jose Antonio Cortes de Oliveira2
1Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences Departament, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
We aimed to evaluate the chemical and behavioral effects of 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) after olfactory exposure and to verify their influence in the expression of acute audiogenic seizures in the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain. PROTOCOL 1: TMT gas chromatography was applied to define odor saturation in a chamber to different concentrations, time required for saturation and desaturation, and if saturation was homogeneous. Also, male Adult Wistar rats were exposed to saline (SAL) or to different TMT concentrations and their behaviors were evaluated (neuroethology). PROTOCOL 2: Male adult WARs were exposed for 15 s to SAL or TMT, followed by sound stimulation for 1 min or until tonic-clonic convulsion. Behavioral analysis included latencies (wild running and tonic-clonic convulsion), seizure severity indexes, and neuroethology. Gas chromatography established a saturation homogeneous to different concentrations of TMT, indicating that saturation and desaturation occurred in 30 min. TMT triggered fear-like or aversion-like reactions associated with reduction in motor activity and in grooming behavior, in the 2 highest concentrations. Pure TMT presented anticonvulsant properties, such as less-severe seizure phenotype, as well as a decrease in tonic-clonic convulsion expression. TMT elicited fear-like or aversion-like behaviors in Wistar and WAR and can be utilized in a quantifiable and controllable way. Our results suggested possible antagonism between "fear-related" or "aversion-related" and "seizure-related" networks.
Insights
Olfactory exposure to 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) in rats induced fear-like behaviors and reduced motor activity. TMT also demonstrated anticonvulsant properties, lessening seizure severity in Wistar Audiogenic Rats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Audiogenic seizures are a critical model for epilepsy research.
- Understanding the neurochemical and behavioral effects of olfactory stimuli is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical and behavioral effects of 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) via olfactory exposure.
- To determine TMT's influence on acute audiogenic seizures in Wistar Audiogenic Rats (WAR).
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography was used to assess TMT odor saturation, concentration, and homogeneity.
- Rats (Wistar and WAR strains) were exposed to TMT or saline, followed by behavioral evaluation and audiogenic seizure induction.
- Neuroethological analysis and seizure severity scoring were employed.
Main Results:
- TMT saturation and desaturation in chambers occurred within 30 minutes.
- Higher TMT concentrations induced fear-like/aversion-like behaviors, reduced motor activity, and grooming.
- TMT exhibited anticonvulsant effects, decreasing seizure severity and tonic-clonic convulsion expression in WARs.
Conclusions:
- TMT elicits quantifiable fear-like or aversion-like behaviors in rats.
- TMT possesses anticonvulsant properties, suggesting potential antagonism between fear/aversion and seizure networks.
