DEPRESSION-LIKE SYNDROME IN RATS INDUCED BY NEUROTOXIN MPTP AND AUTOANTIBODIES TO SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE

Induction of autoantibodies to serotonin and dopamine in blood serum w as demonstrated in a new rat model of experimental depression-like syn drome induced by intraperitoneal injection of neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-ph enyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 20 mg/kg daily for 12 days), Th e level and frequency of detection of antibodies to serotonin within 2 and 3 weeks after MPTP withdrawal did not differ, and the level and f requency of detection of antibodies to dopamine were significantly red uced within 3 weeks as compared with 2 weeks after the MPTP withdrawal . In is suggested that disturbances in neuroimmune interactions play a n important part in development of depressive states.