Author(s): Silva, Joana ; Teixeira, Fábio ; Esteves-Monteiro, Marisa ; Araújo, Margarida ; Magalhães, Ana
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/30849
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto
Subject(s): Diabetes; Angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonists; Losartan; Neuroprotective properties; Anxious behaviour
Diabetes is known to negatively impact the brain, leading to memory loss and attention issues [1], as well as an increased incidence of depression, cognitive impairment, and behavioral changes. Recent studies indicate that angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonists (ARAs) may reduce depressive symptoms, however, the mechanism of action is not yet fully understood [2]. The aim of the present study was to verify whether losartan, an ARA, has antidepressant and neuroprotective properties, with an emphasis on its effect on anxious behavior and cognition in type 1 diabetic rats. The study included 32 adults male Wistar rats divided into 3 groups: the Control group (non-diabetic rats), the STZ group (type 1 diabetic rats, induced by streptozotocin, 55mg/kg IP, under analgesia with tramadol 20mg/kg PO) and the STZ + LOS group (diabetic rats voluntarily orally treated with Losartan, 20mg/kg/day mixed in peanut butter, for 2 weeks). The effects on the animals' anxiety were evaluated using the Marble test and the Open field test, performed 10-13 days after diabetes induction. Statistical analysis revealed no significant changes in behavior among the control and treated groups. While no behavioral differences have been observed between control and diabetic animals, it is imperative to conduct histological studies by addressing regional brain networks to further understand and complement the observed functional analysis.
