Bupropion effect depends on rats’ coping style

Abstract

Objective. The effect of antidepressant bupropion on the behavior of rats subjected to chronic mild unpredictable stress was investigated. Rats with opposite coping styles — active and passive — were subjected to stress.
 Materials and methods. In the population of outbred animals Wistar were isolated individuals with the opposite coping styles on the basis of the acquisition of active avoidance. The animals of these two groups were tested in the Porsolt’s test and in the elevated plus-maze, and then subjected to chronic stress.
 Results. Behavioral deficits were more pronounced in rats with initial active coping style. After administration of bupropion behavior in the Porsolt’s test was restored only in rats with initially active coping style. On the behavior of animals with an initially passive coping style, bupropion had no impact.
 Conclusion. Our findings suggest the different nature of post-stress disorders in animals with different active and passive coping styles.