Development of adult ethanol preference and anxiety as a consequence of neonatal maternal separation in Long Evans rats and reversal with antidepressant treatment.

摘要: Rationale: This study was based on the findings of a high comorbidity among anxiety and depression as well with alcohol abuse. Objective: To evaluate first exposure preference in rodent model moderate neonatal maternal separation. Methods: Rat pups were exposed to either normal animal facility rearing (AFR) or 15 min (HMS15) 180 (HMS180) separation from postnatal days 2–14. The adult (>60 days) male Long Evans progeny tested for pituitary–adrenal axis responsiveness airpuff startle, anxiety-like behavior elevated plus maze, using two-bottle, free-choice test. Results: In response home cage HMS180 rats displayed an elevation integrated adrenocorticotropic hormone corticosterone responses. addition, spent less time open arms more closed maze. drank significantly water–sucrose solution ethanol–sucrose than AFR HMS15 rats. No group differences observed total fluid intake. startle highly correlated ethanol consumption there negative correlation between percentage maze consumption. Treatment selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine 21 eliminated HPA responsiveness, reduced amount consumed by rats, without affecting these parameters Conclusions: These observations suggest that this paradigm is good effects early adverse experience development anxiety.