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Cyclosporine A affects open field behavior in DA rats
S von Hörsten1, M S Exton, J Vöge
1Division of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|June 4, 1998
Summary
Cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment in rats caused increased emotionality and decreased activity, indicating potential neuropsychological side effects. These findings highlight CsA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclosporine A (CsA) is crucial for immunosuppression in solid-organ transplantation, significantly reducing allograft rejection.
- However, CsA treatment is associated with neuropsychological complications, including affective disorders like anxiety and depression.
- Studying these side effects in humans is challenging, necessitating animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CsA on open-field behavior in male Dark Agouti (DA) rats.
- To assess the time-course of CsA-induced behavioral alterations following drug administration.
Main Methods:
- Male DA rats received intraperitoneal injections of CsA (20 mg/kg) daily for 3 consecutive days.
- Open-field behavior was monitored at 1, 6, 12, and 23 hours post-injection.
- Behavioral parameters included ambulatory activity, rearing, and defecation.
Main Results:
- CsA administration led to increased emotionality in DA rats, evidenced by decreased ambulatory activity and increased defecation at 6 hours post-injection.
- A significant decrease in rearing activity was observed 12 hours after CsA administration.
- Behavioral changes suggest CsA induces acute affective alterations in rats.
Conclusions:
- CsA significantly alters open-field behavior in DA rats, manifesting as increased emotionality and reduced motor activity.
- These behavioral changes may be linked to CsA-induced alterations in cytokine profiles.
- The study provides a rat model for investigating CsA-induced neuropsychological side effects.