Effects of chronic treatment with fluvoxamine and paroxetine during adolescence on serotonin-related behavior in adult male rats

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2006 Jan;16(1):39-48. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2005.06.004. Epub 2005 Aug 16.

Abstract

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are designed to treat adults, but are increasingly prescribed for adolescents. SSRIs might cause permanent changes in serotonin-related behavior in adolescents, since their serotonergic system is still developing. Male Wistar rats were treated with paroxetine (15 mg/kg p.o.) or fluvoxamine (30 mg/kg p.o.) throughout adolescence. After a washout period their behavior in the elevated plus-maze, prepulse inhibition test, Forced swimming test and elevated T-maze were studied. In addition, the effects of the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT on sexual behavior and lower lip retraction were measured. Paroxetine mildly inhibited weight gain during treatment. Both SSRIs caused a reduction in ejaculation frequency and in time spent on the open arm of the elevated plus-maze in adult rats. Fluvoxamine slightly increased avoidance latency in the elevated T-maze compared to paroxetine. No differences between the groups were found in the other tests. Apparently, chronic treatment with SSRIs during adolescence may cause mild changes in adult behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin / pharmacology
  • Acoustic Stimulation / methods
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Drug Interactions
  • Fluvoxamine / pharmacology*
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Paroxetine / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reaction Time / drug effects
  • Reflex, Startle / drug effects
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / pharmacology
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Swimming

Substances

  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Serotonin
  • Paroxetine
  • 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin
  • Fluvoxamine