Acetyl-L-carnitine attenuates Poly I:C-induced sickness behavior in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fatigue and malaise are common symptoms associated with decreased physical activity.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a compound that may alleviate fatigue.
• Polyriboinosinic:polyribovitics (Poly I:C) can induce sickness behavior, mimicking fatigue-like symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preventive effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on Poly I:C-induced sickness behavior in mice.
• To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ALC's potential protective effects.

Main Methods:

• Male C3H/HeN mice were pre-treated with ALC for 5 days.
• Poly I:C was administered to induce sickness behavior.
• Wheel running activity was monitored to assess physical activity levels.
• Gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) was analyzed in the cerebrum and hippocampus.

Main Results:

• ALC administration significantly attenuated the decrease in wheel running activity 24 hours post-Poly I:C.
• ALC-treated mice exhibited a faster recovery from Poly I:C-induced sickness behavior.
• Gene expression of BDNF and TSPO was higher in the ALC-treated group compared to controls.
• Upregulation of TSPO suggests enhanced cytoprotective effects in the brain.

Conclusions:

• ALC demonstrates preventive effects against Poly I:C-induced sickness behavior in mice.
• ALC may exert its beneficial effects by enhancing BDNF and TSPO expression in the brain.
• These findings suggest ALC could be a potential therapeutic agent for fatigue-related conditions.