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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Psychedelic 25H-NBOMe attenuates post-sepsis depression in rats.
Barbara G Ferri1, Cintia O de Novais1, Viviana C T Rojas1
1Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, MG, Brazil; Laboratório de Neuroimunomodulação do Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas do Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Unidade Educacional Santa Clara, Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Unifal-MG), Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
This study shows 25H-NBOMe, a phenethylamine, reduced depressive symptoms and neuroinflammation in rats after sepsis. Further research is needed for non-psychedelic alternatives for post-sepsis brain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Sepsis-associated encephalopathy causes cognitive and depressive symptoms due to neuroinflammation.
- Post-sepsis depression presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Phenethylamines are being explored for neurological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of 25H-NBOMe in alleviating sepsis-induced depressive behaviors and neuroinflammation.
- To assess the impact of 25H-NBOMe on astrogliosis in the prefrontal cortex.
- To explore potential therapeutic applications for post-sepsis neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis.
- Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated using the forced swim test (FST).
- Head-twitch response (HTR) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression were measured.
Main Results:
- 25H-NBOMe treatment significantly reduced immobility and increased swimming in the FST, indicating antidepressant effects.
- A notable increase in head-twitch response (HTR) suggested psychoactive properties.
- Significant reduction in GFAP expression demonstrated mitigation of sepsis-induced astrogliosis.
Conclusions:
- 25H-NBOMe effectively reduced depressive symptoms and astrogliosis in a sepsis model.
- The compound shows potential for treating post-sepsis depression, but its psychedelic nature requires further investigation.
- Future research should focus on similar compounds with reduced psychoactivity for safer therapeutic use.
