Increased schedule-induced polydipsia in the rat following subchronic treatment with MK-801

Schizophr Res. 2011 Jan;125(1):93-8. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.07.022. Epub 2010 Aug 16.

Abstract

Primary polydipsia, defined as excessive fluid intake not explained by medical causes, has been reported to occur in over 20% of chronically ill psychiatric inpatients and is especially common in schizophrenic populations. We tested the hypothesis that in an animal model of schizophrenia-like symptoms (subchronic injections of MK-801, 0.5 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days) an increase in the acquisition of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) will occur. Young adult, male rats acquired SIP when food-restricted and placed on a non-contingent fixed-time 1-min food schedule. In comparison with saline-treated control animals, subchronic MK-801 treatment significantly increased SIP. These findings suggest an animal model of polydipsia associated with schizophrenia in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Conditioning, Operant / drug effects
  • Conditioning, Operant / physiology
  • Dizocilpine Maleate / pharmacology*
  • Drinking / drug effects*
  • Drinking Behavior / drug effects*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Male
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Thirst / drug effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Dizocilpine Maleate