VORTIOXETINE IMPROVED COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS IN MK-801-INDUCED SCHIZOPHRENIA MODEL OF RATS

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. (van OS and Kapur, 2009). Currentmedications are insufficient for adequately treating schizophrenia. While existing treatment approaches can significantly reduce positive symptoms, theyare less successful in addressing negative and cognitive symptoms. Vortioxetine antagonizes serotonergic 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors, exhibits agonisticeffects on the 5-HT1A receptor, and partial agonist effects on 5-HT1B receptors. This multimodal activity is believed to be responsible for its antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects, as well as improvements in cognitive functionsin animal studies. Due to its multimodal regulatory role in the brain’s serotonergic system, vortioxetine is thought to potentially exert an antipsychotic effect on schizophrenia (Bozkurt and Unal, 2023). In our study, we investigatedthe effects of vortioxetine on the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in a ratmodel induced by MK-801. Materials and Methods: To establish a schizophrenia model in rats, a singledaily dose of MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for 14 days. Subsequently, treatments of vortioxetine (10 mg/kg) and risperidone (0.3 mg/kg)were administered once daily (i.p.) for 21 days. Y maze test was conducted atthe 21th day of treatment to assess the cognitive symptoms in the schizophrenia model in rats. Results: MK-801 significantly reduced (p&lt;0.05) spontaneous alternationcompared to the control group. Vortioxetine significantly increased (p&lt;0.05)the percentage of alternation reduced by MK-801. However, risperidone,used as a positive control, did not alter the percentage of alternation affectedby MK-801. Conclusions: In the MK-801-induced schizophrenia model, vortioxetine hasimproved cognitive functions in rats. Moving forward, we will focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of this effect of vortioxetine.<br>