Prelimbic α2-adrenoceptors are involved in the regulation of depressive-like behavior in hemiparkinsonian rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the depressive-like behavior in hemiparkinsonian rats and the effects of activation or blockade of prelimbic (PrL) α2-adrenoceptors on depressive-like behavior in sham-operated and the parkinsonian rats. Methods: The rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) was established by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Then the depressive-like behavior in rats was detected by the sucrose preference test and forced swim test (FST). In addition, changes in depressive-like behavior in the rats were also observed after local injection of a selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist or antagonist into the PrL. Results: The unilateral lesion of MFB by 6-OHDA induced depressive-like behavior as measured by the sucrose preference test and the FST compared to the sham-operated rats. Intra-PrL injection of selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine induced depressive-like behavior in the sham-operated and the lesioned rats. However, intra-PrL injection of α2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan elicited anti-depressant effects in both the sham-operated and the lesioned groups. Moreover, the effective doses for behavior produced by clonidine and idazoxan in the lesioned rats were higher than those in the sham-operated rats. Conclusion: The α2-adrenoceptors in the PrL play an important role in the regulation of depressive-like behavior in PD.