Abstract
havior, and defecation were monitored. Rats were euthanized 18 hr after the testing was completed. Selected brain regions were micropuncbed and analyzed for monoamines and monoamine metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Spleens were collected for analysis of natural killer (NK) cell activity. Consistent with previous work in the FST, rats were more immobile in the second swim. Serotonin 5-HT levels were significantly reduced in the septal nucleus in both swim groups. NK cell lytic activity was decreased in the Single Swim Group while the Double Swim Group, was not different from control. Our results demonstrate that septal 5-HT concentrations are associated with the behavioral changes demonstrated to be sensitive to antidepressants in this model. Our data provide the first evidence that the neurophysiological changes underlying these behavioral changes are induced by a single FST and are consistent with hypotheses that these changes are associated with altered CNS 5-HT function. The FST effects on immune function may not be directly related to the mechanism underlying the development of immobility in the FST, but rather may reflect an acute stressor effect.
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