2024
The sinking platform test: a novel paradigm to measure persistence in animal models
Floris G, Godar S, Braccagni G, Piras I, Ravens A, Zanda M, Huentelman M, Bortolato M. The sinking platform test: a novel paradigm to measure persistence in animal models. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024, 49: 1373-1382. PMID: 38396257, PMCID: PMC11251282, DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01827-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsChronic administration of fluoxetinePrefrontal cortex of miceWeeks of social isolationAdministration of fluoxetineMeasure persistenceGoal-directed actionsSocially isolated miceMitigate depression riskCortex of micePlatform testVoluntary wheel runningChronic haloperidolPrefrontal cortexTemperamental traitsImipramine treatmentNeurobiological foundationsBehavioral tasksChronic stressChronic administrationImmediate-early genesFailure TrialWheel runningDepression riskAnimal modelsNovel interventions
2018
The novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine induces persistent behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats
Costa G, Serra M, Pintori N, Casu M, Zanda M, Murtas D, De Luca M, Simola N, Fattore L. The novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine induces persistent behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats. Neuropharmacology 2018, 144: 219-232. PMID: 30366005, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.031.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEffects of methoxetamineElevated plus mazePersistent behavioral abnormalitiesBehavioral effectsPlus mazeLocomotor activityBehavioral abnormalitiesDensity of dopamine transportersLocomotor activity of ratsImpaired non-spatial memoryNovel object recognition testEmission of ultrasonic vocalizationsMedial prefrontal cortexMarble burying testVentral tegmental areaPersistent behavioral effectsNon-spatial memoryNovel object recognitionObject recognition testActivity of ratsNeurotoxic effectsSubstantia nigra pars compactaSerotonergic damageNucleus accumbensBurying test
2017
Methoxetamine affects brain processing involved in emotional response in rats
Zanda M, Fadda P, Antinori S, Di Chio M, Fratta W, Chiamulera C, Fattore L. Methoxetamine affects brain processing involved in emotional response in rats. British Journal Of Pharmacology 2017, 174: 3333-3345. PMID: 28718892, PMCID: PMC5595753, DOI: 10.1111/bph.13952.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBehaviorally active dosesDecreased social interaction timeMotor activityMedial prefrontal cortexObsessive-compulsive traitsReduced immobility timeSocial interaction timeSelf-grooming behaviorIncreased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6Antidepressant effectsImmobility timePrefrontal cortexBehavioral effectsIncreased sociabilitySpatial anxietyAcute administrationBrain processesHigh dosesIncreased swimming activityEmotional responsesDissociative effectsEmotional statesIntermediate dosePsychoactive substancesMethoxetamine