Effects of ketamine optical isomers, fluoxetine and naloxone on timing
in differential reinforcement of low-rate response (DRL) 72-s task in
rats
Abstract
Background and Purpose: (S)-ketamine induced rapid-acting antidepressant
effects have revolutionized pharmacotherapy of major depression, however
this medication produces also psychotomimetic effects including timing
distortion. In contrast, (R)-ketamine appears to produce less of
dissociative effects, but its antidepressant actions were less studied.
It has been suggested that opioid receptors are involved in the
antidepressant effect of ketamine. In addition, recent report suggests
that while (S)-ketamine induced time underestimation, the (R)-isomer did
not affect timing. Experimental approach: (R)- and (S)-ketamine, and
fluoxetine as a positive control were tested in the
differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) 72-s schedule of
reinforcement in male rats following naloxone pretreatment. Several DRL
classic metrics as well as peak deviation analyses served to determine
antidepressant-like actions and those associated with timing. Key
Results: Antidepressant-like effect of (S)-ketamine (30-60 mg/kg)
resembled fluoxetine (2.5-10 mg/kg) actions. Fluoxetine and (S)-ketamine
increased reinforcement rate and peak location, suggesting increased
performance, reduced premature responses, suggesting time
underestimation and decreased Weber’s fraction, suggesting increased
timing precision. In contrast, (R)-ketamine (60 mg/kg) increased
reinforcement rate and peak location without affecting premature
responses. Only fluoxetine decreased burst responses, suggesting
decreased impulsivity. Naloxone pretreatment did not block ketamine
enantiomers’ actions, but unexpectedly, increased fluoxetine’
performance. Conclusions & Implications: Fluoxetine’ and (S)- but not
(R)- ketamine induced time underestimation could be associated with
their antidepressant effects. The potentiation of DRL performance of
fluoxetine by naloxone was unexpected and warrants further clinical
studies.