MODULATORY EFFECT OF CANNABINOID LIGANDS ON THE ANXIETY-LIKE BEHAVIOR OF BULBECTOMIZED RATS

Abstract

Purpose: The endocannabinoid system is considered a key regulatory system in anxiety behavior. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) injected cannabinoid ligands on the anxiety-like behavior of rats with a model of depression. Material/Methods: The olfactory bulbectomized rat (OBX) is a well-established experimental model of depression. The OBX model exhibits neurochemical changes that are very similar to those seen in patients with depression. CB1 receptor agonist HU-210 and CB1 receptor antagonist SR 141716A were injected i.c.v. in OBX rats, and the anxiety-related behavior of the rats was measured in an elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. Results: OBX rats showed an increased anxiety-like behavior at the EPM test. HU-210 produced an anxiolytic-like effect and alleviated the OBX-induced anxiety, while SR 141716A failed to produce effects on the behavior of OBX rats. Conclusions: The results suggest that CB1 receptors may be involved in the modulation of anxiety-related behavior in OBX rats.