Abstract
As both deficiency and excess of copper (Cu) can be harmful, dysregulation in its homeostasis has been connected with various neurological disorders. The present study was undertaken to examine whether Cu chronic administration can induce alterations of affective behavior especially anxiety and depression levels in male and female rats. Twenty-four rats, for each gender, divided in control and three test groups (n = 6), were injected intraperitoneally with saline (0.9% NaCl) or CuCl2 (0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. After treatment period, animals were tested in the open-field, elevated plus maze tests for anxiety-like behavior, and forced swimming test for depression-like behavior. Results demonstrated that Cu administered chronically, exerts an anxiogenic effect in rats. In the OFT, Cu decreases the TCA and NRC parameters without modifying the locomotor activity represented by the NTS parameter. With regard to EPM, Cu decreases TOA and EOA parameters without modifying the TAE parameter. A significant increase in depression-like symptoms was also exhibited by Cu treated rats (p < 0.001). A dose of 1 mg/kg CuCl2 showed maximum anxiety-like and depression-like symptoms as compared to controls as well as from the other two doses indicating dose-dependent effects of chronic Cu administration. Overall, these results suggest that intoxication with Cu has potentially deleterious effects on brain as reflected in behavioral dysfunctions such as depression and anxiety.
Highlights
Mental disorders are increasing in number worldwide
Animals were raised in the Animals House Unit in Faculty of life sciences, University Ibn Tofaïl. They were maintained in plastic cages (36 cm long, 20 cm wide and 15 cm high) with stainless steel wire lids; The animals were maintained at a constant temperature (22 ̊C degrees ± 1), 12 hours light/12 hours dark with free access to food and water
Time Spent in the Central Area (TCA) (Figure 1(a)): The treatment factor significantly affected the TCA (F(3.32) = 11.94, p < 0.001)
Summary
Mental disorders are increasing in number worldwide. The number of people suffering from depression and/or anxiety increased by years lived with disability globally [1]. Depressive and anxiety disorders are common at all ages. Their effects on well-being and daily functioning are enormous and comparable to those of major chronic physical illnesses [2] [3]. Patients with depression often have features of anxiety disorders, and those with anxiety disorders commonly have depression Both disorders may occur together, it can be difficult to discriminate between them, 85% of patients with depression experience significant symptoms of anxiety, while comorbid depression occurs in up to 90% of patients with anxiety disorders [4] [5]
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