The Effects of Chronic Administration of Pioglitazone on Anxiety and Depression in Streptozotocin Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients suffer from anxiety and depression. Pioglitazone (PIOG) is effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of PIOG on anxiety and depression symptoms in the Streptozotocin (STZ) rat model of AD.

All the animals were divided into six groups: Control, DMSO, PIOG, sham-operated, STZ, and STZ plus DMSO or PIOG. For induction of AD, STZ (3mg/kg, 5μl/injection site) was injected into the lateral ventricles. After injection of PIOG (10 μl) or DMSO for 21 days, the behavioral tests were performed using sucrose preference, light-dark box, and elevated plus maze test.

The results showed that the STZ injection significantly reduced the entries, duration of presence in the light compartment and open arm of the elevated plus maze, and a percentage of sucrose preference compared to the control group. PIOG treatment in STZ-treated rats significantly increased the entries, duration of presence in the light compartment and open arm of the elevated plus maze, and a percentage of sucrose preference that indicated anti-depression and anxiolytic-like effects.

Based on our findings, the PIOG injection can reduce anxiety and depression-related behaviors in Alzheimer's rats.