Effects of meldonium on the behavior of rats in a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation

Meldonium is a metabolic modulator used for its cardioprotective properties and presumed ergogenic effects. The current study aimed to determine its psychopharmacological effects in rats subjected to a model of neuroinflammation. Male Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups (n = 6 per group): Control, LPS, LPS + CS and LPS + meldonium. Control group received saline and the other groups received lipopolisacharides intraperitoneally every other day for induction of subchronic systemic inflammation. LPS + CS and LPS + meldonium rats were orally daily treated with dexamethasone and meldonium, respectively. The duration of the study was 10 days. At the end of the experiment behavioral tests for assessment of locomotor activity, recognition memory and anxiety- and depression-like behavior were performed. Meldonium increased rat locomotor activity and prevented the suppression of exploratory behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide administration. Meldonium did not affect the recognition memory of the rats, as well as the parameters of anxiety- and depression-like behavior.