Induced locomotor hyperactivity on ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats is inhibited by quetiapine.

Abstract

Our aim is to investigate the effects of two atypical antipsychotics; quetiapine and olanzapine on locomotor activity that is a sign of ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were subjects. Ethanol (7.2%, v/v) was given to rats by a liquid diet for 30 days. Control rats were pair fed an isocaloric liquid diet containing sucrose as a caloric substitute to ethanol. Quetiapine (10 mg/kg), olanzapine (5 mg/kg) and saline were injected to the rats intraperitoneally 7 days after ethanol withdrawal syndrome and the last one 30 min before ethanol withdrawal testing. After 2nd hour of ethanol withdrawal, rats were observed for 5 min and withdrawal signs that included locomotor hyperactivity were recorded. We have found increased vertical and horizontal locomotor activity in ethanol withdrawal group to control and reduced vertical and horizontal locomotor activity in quetiapine-injected rats. In olanzapine injected rats were seen no reduced locomotor activity. Significant inhibitory effects were produced by quetiapine on the signs of ethanol withdrawal. Our results suggest that acute quetiapine treatment has some beneficial efects on ethanol withdrawal in rats. Thus, this drug may be useful for treatment of ethanol withdrawal syndrome.