Effects of Short- and Long-Term Vortioxetine Administration on Reproductive Function in Female Rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Reproductive Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vortioxetine's effects on female reproductive physiology are not fully understood.
• This study examines vortioxetine's impact on female rat reproductive function, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the short- and long-term effects of vortioxetine on female rat reproductive health.
• To assess vortioxetine's influence on oxidative stress, catecholamines, prolactin, and corticosterone levels.
• To explore potential interventions using metyrosine and metyrapone.

Main Methods:

• Female Wistar rats were exposed to vortioxetine (short-term/long-term) with or without metyrosine/metyrapone.
• Measurements included oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, tGSH, SOD, CAT), catecholamines, serotonin, prolactin, and corticosterone.
• Fertility was assessed through co-housing, and parturition timing was recorded.

Main Results:

• Vortioxetine increased oxidative stress (MDA) and catecholamines while decreasing antioxidant markers and prolactin.
• Long-term vortioxetine exposure led to infertility, delayed parturition, and elevated corticosterone.
• Metyrapone administration blunted corticosterone rise and preserved fertility, unlike metyrosine.

Conclusions:

• Long-term vortioxetine induces infertility in female rats, potentially via hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation and corticosterone elevation.
• Reproductive risks associated with vortioxetine warrant monitoring in women of reproductive age.
• Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and translational implications.