Alonso Fernández‑Guasti - Combination of low doses of mirtazapine plus venlafaxine produces antidepressant‑like efects in rats, without afecting male or female sexual behavior
07 de agosto del 2024
Invitamos a leer el artículo: "Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-like Effects of Pomegranate: Is It Acting by Common or Well-Known Mechanisms of Action?", realizado por la Dr. Alonso Fernández‑Guasti, Investigador de Cinvestav Sede Sur.
Autores: Adriana Álvarez Silva ,Gabriela Rodríguez Manzo, Rebeca Reyes y Alonso Fernández-Guasti
Abstract:
Rationale Pharmacological treatments for depression are not always efective and produce unwanted side efects. Male and female sexual dysfunction is one of these side efects, which can lead to treatment withdrawal. Combination of two antidepressants with diferent mechanisms of action, like mirtazapine (MTZ) and venlafaxine (VLF) have been shown to be efective for treatment-resistant depression in humans. Combination of low doses of these drugs may still exert antidepressant-like efects without altering sexual behavior. Objectives To investigate the potential antidepressant-like efect of the chronic administration of low doses of MTZ plus VLF combined, as well as its impact on male and female sexual behavior in rats. Methods The antidepressant-like efect of a 14-day treatment with combinations of MTZ plus VLF (0/0, 2.5/3.75 or 5/7.5 mg/ kg) was assessed in young adult male and female rats in the forced swim test (FST). The 5/7.5 mg/kg MTZ/VLF combination was also tested in the chronic mild stress (CMS) test, in both males and females treated for 21 days. The sexual efects of this last treatment were assessed in sexually experienced males and in gonadally-intact females during proestrus. Results The 5/7.5 mg/kg MTZ/VLF combination produced an antidepressant-like efect in the FST and reversed the CMSinduced anhedonia in both male and female rats. This combination did not alter male sexual behavior, female proceptive and receptive behaviors or the regularity of the estrous cycle. Conclusion The combination of low doses of MTZ and VLF might be a promising therapeutic alternative to treat depression without afecting the sexual response.
Keywords:
Mirtazapine/Venlafaxine combined treatment · Antidepressant-like efect · Forced swim test · Chronic mild stress · Male and female sexual behavior