Galanin enhances and a galanin antagonist attenuates depression-like behaviour in the rat

The effect of intracerebroventricular infusion of galanin and/or the gatanin antagonist M35 was studied in the forced swim test. Animals were pre-exposed to water for 15 min 24 h prior to test. Immobility and climbing were assessed during the second, 5 min exposure to water. Rats receiving a single infusion of galanin (3 nmol) displayed a significant increase of immobility. This effect was blocked by co-administration of M35 (1 nmol). M35 atone (1 nmol) produced a significant decrease of immobility. The results further support the hypothesis that galanin may play a rote in mood disorders, and that gatanin antagonists may represent new candidates for antidepressant treatment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.