The effects of agomelatine on cognitive functions in an experimental model of schizophrenia in mice

Aim: In this study, the effects of agomelatin on cognitive functions in ketamine-induced schizophrenia model were investigated. Material and Method: In our study, male rats were divided into four groups. Saline injection to control group was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in 0.1 ml volume for 14 days. The ketamine (KET) group received 30 mg/kg ketamine i.p for 14 days to induce schizophrenia. Ketamine+Agomelatin (KET+AGO) group received ketamine (i.p.) at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Between the days of 50 mg/kg/day dose agomelatin in the form oral gavage and agomelatin group was administered orally at dose of 50 mg/kg/day. On the 14th and 15th days of the study, open area, compulsory swimming and foreign object recognition test were performed. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of GPx and SOD values. Results: In the open field test; the mean velocity and distance values of the KET group increased significantly compared to the KNT group and decreased significantly in the KET+AGO and AGO groups compared to KET group. New object recognition test results were found to be statistically insignificant. In compulsory swimming test; when the KET group and the KNT group were compared, the time spent immobile increased significantly. When BDNF values were examined, it was observed that KET group decreased significantly compared KNT group and BDNF levels were significantly higher in KET+AGO and AGO groups compared to KET group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of GPx and SOD values. Conclusion: In conclusion, despite improvements in treatment for schizophrenia patients, agomelatin may be preferred for correcting cognitive and motor dysfunction which is still an important problem because of its low side effect profile.