Sex-Dependent Effects of Stress on Immobility Behavior and VTA Dopamine Neuron Activity: Modulation by Ketamine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stress constitutes a risk factor across several psychiatric disorders. Moreover, females are more susceptible to stress-related disorders, such as depression, than males. Although dopamine system underactivation is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, little is known about the female dopamine system at baseline and post-stress.

Methods

The effects of chronic mild stress were examined on ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron activity and forced swim test immobility by comparing male and female rats. The impact of a single dose of the rapid antidepressant ketamine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on forced swim test immobility and ventral tegmental area function was then tested.

Results

Baseline ventral tegmental area dopamine activity was comparable in both sex

SUBMITTER: Rincon-Cortes M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5632304 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature