Progressive Behavioral Impairment and Region-Specific Monoaminergic Alterations in a Rat Model of Delayed...

Acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can cause delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) after a latent period, yet its pathophysiology remains poorly understood because of the lack of reproducible experimental models.

We established a rat model of DNS using acute CO poisoning (6500 ppm for 25 min). Behavioral assessments evaluated cognition, locomotion, sensorimotor function, exploratory behavior, and reward responsiveness. Histopathological analyses assessed brain injury, and regional monoamine concentrations were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.

CO-exposed rats developed delayed and progressive behavioral abnormalities, including impaired spatial working memory, reduced locomotor activity, sensorimotor dysfunction, and diminished exploratory behavior. At 4 weeks, CO-exposed rats showed reduced Y-maze alternation (49.3% vs. 72.2%, p < 0.0001), complete loss of tape-removal success (0% vs. 100%, p < 0.001), reduced digging behavior (10.1 ± 6.9 vs. 27.4 ± 3.9, p < 0.01), and decreased locomotor activity (330.5 ± 172.1 vs. 730.5 ± 139.5 cm, p < 0.01). In contrast, olfactory discrimination, sucrose preference, and grip strength were preserved. Histopathology demonstrated persistent neuronal and inflammatory alterations. Dopamine concentrations were significantly reduced in the cortex and basal ganglia, whereas thalamic serotonin levels were increased following CO poisoning.

Acute CO poisoning induces a reproducible DNS characterized by progressive behavioral impairment, persistent histopathological abnormalities, and regional monoaminergic dysregulation. These findings support the concept that DNS is an evolving neuropathological process and identify dopaminergic pathways as potential therapeutic targets.