Resolvin D2 attenuates chronic pain–induced depression-like behavior in mice

Abstract

Aim: We previously demonstrated that intracerebroventricular injection of resolvin D2 (RvD2), a bioactive lipid mediator derived from docosahexaenoic acid, ameliorated depression-like behavior in lipopolysaccharide-induced and chronic mild stress–induced mouse models of depression. In the present study, we examined the antidepressant effect of RvD2 on chronic pain–induced depression-like behavior. Methods: To prepare the neuropathic pain model, mice were subjected to surgery for unilateral spared nerve injury. Two weeks after surgery, the antidepressant effect of RvD2 was examined using the tail suspension test. Results: Chronic pain significantly increased immobility time, and this depression-like behavior was attenuated by intracerebroventricular injection of RvD2 (10 ng). No effect of RvD2 on the locomotor activity was observed. Conclusion: RvD2 produces an antidepressant effect in a murine model of chronic pain–induced depression and may be a promising lead for the development of novel antidepressants.