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Lack of effect of eicosapentaenoic acid in the Porsolt forced swimming test model of depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Alona Shaldubina ,
Boris Nemets  and
Yuly Bersudsky
Alona Shaldubina
Affiliation:
Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel
Boris Nemets
Affiliation:
Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel
Yuly Bersudsky*
Affiliation:
Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel
*
Yuly Bersudsky MD, Beer-Sheba Mental Health Center, PO Box 4600, Beer-Sheba, Israel. Tel: 972 7 640-1602; Fax: 972 7 640-1621; E-mail: yuly@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
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Abstract

Background:

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the major components of fish oils. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have been hypothesized to play a role in the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorders. Clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in major depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders.

Objective:

The present study design evaluates the effect of EPA in the Porsolt forced swimming test.

Results:

EPA alone did not reduce the immobility time and did not enhance the anti-immobility effect of a low dose of imipramine. Contrary to the hypothesis, EPA slightly increased the immobility time, and in some experiments tended to reduce the anti-despair effect of imipramine.

Conclusion:

The present results do not provide an animal model for the antidepressant effect of EPA as demonstrated in clinical experiments. The mechanism of EPA antidepressant action is unknown and the Porsolt forced swimming test could be non-sensitive for its antidepressant properties.

Keywords

depressioneicosapentenoic acid (EPA)omega-3Porsolt forced swimming test
Type
Original Article
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 14 , Issue 5 , October 2002 , pp. 203 - 206
Copyright
Copyright © Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2002

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