Volume 21, Issue 1 (Paramedical Sciences and Military Health- Spring- 2026)
Paramedical Sciences and Military Health 2026, 21(1): 22-29 |
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Zavvari Oskuyee Z, Parvizi M R, Mehri K. Effects of Botulinum Toxin and Rivastigmine on Anxiety and Depression-Like Behaviors in Male Rats. Paramedical Sciences and Military Health 2026; 21 (1) :22-29
URL: http://jps.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-528-en.html
URL: http://jps.ajaums.ac.ir/article-1-528-en.html
1- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran.
2- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (16 Views)
Introduction: Botulinum toxin type A inhibits acetylcholine release at nerve terminals, thereby impairing cholinergic neurotransmission. In addition to its peripheral effects, it may also influence anxiety and depression related behaviors. Rivastigmine, as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, may attenuate these alterations by increasing acetylcholine availability. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of botulinum toxin type A and rivastigmine on anxiety and depression-related behaviors in male rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty-nine adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 7 per group) including a sham group receiving intramuscular saline, three groups receiving intramuscular botulinum toxin type A at doses of 3, 6, and 15 IU, and three corresponding groups receiving the same doses of botulinum toxin combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of rivastigmine (1 mg/kg) administered 30 minutes after botulinum toxin injection. Four weeks after treatment, anxiety-related behaviors were evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and the Open Field Test (OFT); while, depression-related behavior was assessed using the Forced Swim Test (FST).
Results: In the EPM, the percentage of open-arm entries and the time spent in the open arms decreased in the botulinum toxin-treated groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. In the OFT, both the time spent in the central zone and the number of entries into the central zone were significantly reduced in the botulinum toxin-treated groups compared with the sham group (P < 0.001). In the FST, botulinum toxin administration significantly increased immobility time (P < 0.001). Co-administration of rivastigmine significantly reduced immobility time in the 15 IU botulinum toxin group (P < 0.05). Although a trend toward improvement was observed in the other behavioral indices, the differences did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion: Intramuscular administration of botulinum toxin type A was associated with alterations in some anxiety and depression-related behaviors in male rats, in such a way that an increase in immobility time in the forced swim test and decrease in exploratory behavior in the open field test were observed. Rivastigmine reduced immobility time in the 15 IU botulinum toxin group; however, it did not significantly affect other behavioral parameters. These findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A may influence behavioral responses; while, further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty-nine adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 7 per group) including a sham group receiving intramuscular saline, three groups receiving intramuscular botulinum toxin type A at doses of 3, 6, and 15 IU, and three corresponding groups receiving the same doses of botulinum toxin combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of rivastigmine (1 mg/kg) administered 30 minutes after botulinum toxin injection. Four weeks after treatment, anxiety-related behaviors were evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and the Open Field Test (OFT); while, depression-related behavior was assessed using the Forced Swim Test (FST).
Results: In the EPM, the percentage of open-arm entries and the time spent in the open arms decreased in the botulinum toxin-treated groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. In the OFT, both the time spent in the central zone and the number of entries into the central zone were significantly reduced in the botulinum toxin-treated groups compared with the sham group (P < 0.001). In the FST, botulinum toxin administration significantly increased immobility time (P < 0.001). Co-administration of rivastigmine significantly reduced immobility time in the 15 IU botulinum toxin group (P < 0.05). Although a trend toward improvement was observed in the other behavioral indices, the differences did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion: Intramuscular administration of botulinum toxin type A was associated with alterations in some anxiety and depression-related behaviors in male rats, in such a way that an increase in immobility time in the forced swim test and decrease in exploratory behavior in the open field test were observed. Rivastigmine reduced immobility time in the 15 IU botulinum toxin group; however, it did not significantly affect other behavioral parameters. These findings suggest that botulinum toxin type A may influence behavioral responses; while, further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Type of Study: Research |
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Received: 2026/05/18 | Accepted: 2026/08/2 | Published: 2026/03/10
Received: 2026/05/18 | Accepted: 2026/08/2 | Published: 2026/03/10
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