Comparison of Short-Term Effect of Oral Ritalin on Emotional Behaviors (Fear and Anxiety) of Healthy and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction and Aims: Fear is a normal reaction to dangers the main form of which is freezing (immobility and only breathing). According to the studies conducted, the main area of fear is amygdala the disruption or destruction of which will result in lack of learning and expressing fear. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term effect of oral Ritalin on emotional behaviors (fear and anxiety) in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.
This experimental study was conducted on 48 immature male rats of about 3 weeks of age, classified into 8 groups of 6; namely the control group, groups of healthy rats with various doses of Ritalin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg), the diabetic group and diabetic groups with various doses of Ritalin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) received via oral gavage. After 7 days (the short-term period), to investigate anxiety-like behaviors and other parameters related to it, rats were evaluated in Elevated Plus Maze (EPM).
Results showed that in healthy groups, the higher was the dose of Ritalin, the more significant decrease was observed in fear relative to control group. In addition, in diabetic䘫媖 groups, the higher was the dose of Ritalin, the more significant decrease in fear was observed relative to diabetic group.
According to the findings, the anti-anxiety effect of Ritalin (methylphenidate) can be confirmed.