Experimental anxiety-depressive state in rats caused by neonatal exposure to the inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, diprotin A: effects of imipramine

Abstract

Previously, we have shown that the inhibitor of proline-specific peptidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DP-IV, EC 3.4.14.5), tripeptide diproptin A administered on postnatal days 5-18 induced emotional and motivational disorders in adolescent and adult rats. These disorders can be considered a model of a mixed anxiety-depression-like disorder. However, validation studies of this model are not available. The aim of this work was to test the effect of the tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine (IMI), on depressive-like behavior in rats and the level of serum corticosterone using the model of mixed anxiety-depressive state. Methods. The level of anxiety was assessed by the automated Elevated Plus Maze test and the depressive-like behavior was evaluated by the forced swimming test in one- and two-month old rats. IMI was administered to adult animals for ten days (20 mg/kg a day, intragastrically). Serum corticosterone concentrations were measured using ELISA. Results. The neonatal exposure to diprotin A increased anxiety in one-month old rats. The depressive-like behavior was observed in animals aged one and two months. IMI normalized behavior of animals in the forced swimming test and reduced serum levels of corticosterone. Also, IMI reduced body weight of rats. Conclusion. The results of the study evidenced adequacy of the model of mixed anxiety-depressive state induced by the DP-IV inhibitor, diprotin A, on the second and third postnatal weeks to the clinical prototype of disease according to criteria of face validity, predictive and construct validity.