Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 851.5 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Antidepressant-like effects of cranial stimulation within a low magnetic field in rats. |
| Authors: |
Renshaw, P. F.*1
; Rohan, M. L.1
; Mague, S. D.1
; Cayetano, K.1
; Meloni, E. G.1
; Tomasiewicz, H. C.1
; Cohen, B. M.1
; Carlezon, W. A.1
1Psychiatry, McLean Hosp. - Harvard Med. Sch, Belmont, MA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Psychiatric Disorders -- Affective disorders |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions<br />- Behavioral Pharmacology<br />-- Other |
| Session: |
851. Depression: Antidepressants I Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, November 12, 2003 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # MM12 |
| Keywords: | depression, model, forced swim test, fear conditioning |
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used therapeutically, and involves large (>10,000G) magnetic fields. Recent studies involving a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system suggest that low (<10G) field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) can have mood-elevating actions in humans during depressive phases of bipolar disorder (Rohan et al 2003). We report here that a unidirectional, low-energy magnetic field that is a component of MRI has antidepressant-like effects in rats. Behavioral effects of the stimulation were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats using the forced swim test (FST), a two day procedure used in the study of depression, and fear conditioning (FC), a two day procedure used to study learning and memory. After 15 min exposure to forced swimming, rats received on each of 3 occasions 20 min of exposure to LFMS within the focal point of the field, LFMS outside the focal point of the field, or no LFMS (sham) within the focal point of the field. An MRI gradient head coil-based device provided LFMS by inducing a uniform electric field in the right to left direction via 250 usec pulses with a strength of 0.75 V/m at a rate of 1 kHz. The pulses alternated in polarity. Exposure to LFMS within the focal point of the field reduced immobility in the FST, an antidepressant-like effect that was qualitatively similar to that of standard antidepressants (desipramine, fluoxetine) in this assay. This effect is not due to pro-amnesic effects of the stimulation, since fear-potentiated startle was not affected by similar application of LFMS beginning 15 min after FC. These data raise the possibility that that the antidepressant-like effects of LFMS are mediated through the same mechanisms as TMS treatment of depression, although the fields used here are substantially weaker (0.75 V/m versus up to 500 V/m), more uniform, and unidirectional.
Supported by MH63266, Stanley Medical Research Institute
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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