The Effect of Sulpiride and Food Restriction on Depression and Anxiety Control in Adult Male Rats

Food restriction (FR) affects on depression and anxiety behavior. Previous studies have pointed to the role of sulpiride in the treatment of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of dopaminergic system and food restriction on depression and anxiety. Forty two adult male Wistar rats (180-220g) were divided into 7 groups including: control, sham, 25%, 50%, 75% FR, 75% FR with sulpiride and sulpiride(50µg/rat). The treatment period was 21 days. Day 19 surgery and cannulation was performed and Sulpiride was injected intracrebroventricularly (icv) on the 21st day. Depression and anxiety tests (Tail suspension test and Elevated Plus Maze), was taken from the rats on the 21st day. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test.  Ethical points were observed according to the declaration of Helsinki and acts of Bioethics Committee at Urmia University (Ref No: AECVU-180-2018). Mobility time in FR groups and sulpiride compared to control and in 75% with sulpiride compared to 75% had significant increase. immobility time in FR and sulpiride had significant decrease compared to control. Open arm entry in 75% FR had significantly decreased compared to control and in 75% FR with sulpiride had significantly increased compared to 75%. Open arm spend time in 75% FR with sulpiride had significant increase compared to 75%. Motor activity was reduced in FR groups and injection sulpiride. It seems that sulpride and FR play a role in improving
semi-depression circumstances. Sulpiride also play a role in controlling the anxiety behavior induced by FR.