Metabolic and behavioral effects of olanzapine and fluoxetine on the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The use of many psychotropic drugs (PDs) is associated with increased caloric intake, significant weight gain, and metabolic disorders. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been used to study the effects of PDs on food intake. However, little is known about PDs effects on the body fat of C. elegans. In C. elegans, feeding behavior and fat metabolism are regulated through independent mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the body fat and food intake of C. elegans in response to treatment olanzapine and fluoxetine. Here we report that, with careful consideration to the dosage used, administration of fluoxetine and olanzapine increases body fat and food intake in C. elegans.