Folic acid prevents depressive-like behavior induced by chronic corticosterone treatment in mice

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of folic acid on depressive-like behavior induced by chronic administration of corticosterone in mice. Corticosterone (20mg/kg, p.o.) was administered once a day for 21days. Folic acid (30mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (10mg/kg, positive control...

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Published in:Pharmacology, biochemistry and behavior biochemistry and behavior, 2014-12, Vol.127, p.1-6
Main Authors: Rosa, Priscila B., Ribeiro, Camille M., Bettio, Luis E.B., Colla, André, Lieberknecht, Vicente, Moretti, Morgana, Rodrigues, Ana Lúcia S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antidepressant
Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use
Corticosterone
Corticosterone - administration & dosage
Corticosterone - adverse effects
Depression
Depression - chemically induced
Depression - drug therapy
Depression - psychology
Drug Administration Schedule
Female
Folic acid
Folic Acid - therapeutic use
Immobilization - psychology
Mice
Stress
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of folic acid on depressive-like behavior induced by chronic administration of corticosterone in mice. Corticosterone (20mg/kg, p.o.) was administered once a day for 21days. Folic acid (30mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (10mg/kg, positive control, p.o.) was administered immediately after corticosterone injection during the last 7days of corticosterone treatment. On the 22nd day, animals were submitted to tail suspension test, open-field test and splash test. Corticosterone treatment caused a depressive-like behavior, evidenced by increased immobility time in the tail suspension test and decreased time in which mice spent grooming in the splash test. Repeated folic acid or fluoxetine administration significantly abolished corticosterone-induced depressive-like behavior. Chronic administration of corticosterone decreased levels of serum corticosterone in mice. Neither folic acid, nor fluoxetine treatment reversed this impairment. These findings indicate a robust effect of folic acid in reversing behavioral alterations induced by corticosterone model of depression in mice, suggesting that this vitamin may be an alternative approach for the management of depressive symptoms. •Chronic administration of corticosterone elicits a depressive-like behavior in mice.•Folic acid abolishes the depressive phenotype induced by corticosterone.•Corticosterone administration decreases the levels of serum corticosterone in mice.•Folic acid does not reverse the decrease in serum corticosterone levels.
ISSN:0091-3057
1873-5177
DOI:10.1016/j.pbb.2014.10.003