Corticosterone, choline acetyltransferase and noradrenaline levels in olfactory bulbectomized rats in relation to changes in passive avoidance acquisition and open field activity

C. L. Broekkamp, W. T. O'Connor, J. A.D.M. Tonnaer, H. W. Rijk, A. M.L. Van Delft

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Consequences of olfactory bulbectomy in two behavioural situations, passive avoidance acquisition and activity in a brightly lit open field, were measured in the same animals for which data on four biochemical measures were also obtained. The biochemical measurements were on plasma corticosterone levels, noradrenaline (NA) levels in the midbrain and amygdala + pyriform cortex and the choline acetyltransferase (CAT) levels in the olfactory tubercle. Experimental variation in age groups of rats (7 weeks and 3 months) and in post-bulbectomy periods (1, 2 and 4 weeks) was made. The deficit in passive aviodance as a consequence of olfactory bulbectomy was evident in all groups of young animals and in older animals one and two weeks post-bulbectomy but not in older animals four weeks after bulbectomy. An increase in open field activity was similarly observed in all groups excepts in the older animals four weeks after bulbectomy. In constrast to reports by other investigators the basal plasma corticosterone levels were not increased in bulbectomized animals nor did we observe any diminution of NA levels in the amygdala (+ pyriform cortex). CAT levels were slightly increased in older animals two weeks after bulbectomy. The absence of a change in the plasma corticosterone level after bulbectomy is discussed in relation to the notion that the olfactory bulbectomized rat is in some way relevant as a test model for predicting efficacy of potential antidepressant drugs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)429-434
Number of pages6
JournalPhysiology and Behavior
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1986
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amygdala
  • Choline acetyltransferase
  • Corticosterone
  • Noradrenaline
  • Olfactory bulbectomy
  • Open field
  • Passive avoidance

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