Neuroleptic effect in aggressive mice after the transplantation of immune cells treated in vitro with chlorpromazine

Abstract

Introduction

Existence of integration, mutual relations of nervous and immune systems, which cellular elements are characterized by expressed phenotype and functional similarity, means the possibility of immune cells participation in the regulation of higher nervous activity.

Objectives

Previously, we demonstrated the possibility of targeted regulation of animal's behavior by the transplantation of immune cells with definite functional characteristics. Based on the our previous research results in the present study, we investigated the modulating effect of the immune cells, treated in vitro with chlorpromazine on the nervous and immune systems functional activity in aggressive mice.

Methods

(CBA × C57Bl/6) F1 aggressive mice, exposed to 10-days chronic social stress, were undergoing the transplantation of immune cells in vitro treated with chlorpromazine. Animal's behavioral parameters, cytokines synthesis in the brain and immune cells before and after transplantation were estimated.

Results

It was shown that aggression is associated with the increased production of spleen T-helper 1 cell-derived cytokines IL-2 and IFNγ, as well as decreased TNFα production by the spleen mononuclear phagocyte cells. These alterations were more pronounced following mitogen stimulation. Spleen cells, obtaining from aggressive mice, were treated in vitro with chlorpromazine and then injected intravenously into syngeneic aggressive recipients. The cell's transplantation led to the reduction of the recipient's motor activity in the “open field” and Porsolt swimming tests and normalized cytokines synthesis in the brain and immune cells.

Conclusion

Research results demonstrated the neuroleptic effect in aggressive mice, obtained by the transplantation of immune cells treated in vitro with chlorpromazine.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.