[A model of the depressive syndrome in rats induced by the neurotoxin MPTP and autoantibodies to serotonin and dopamine].

Induction of autoantibodies to serotonin and dopamine in blood serum was demonstrated in a new rat model of experimental depression-like syndrome induced by intraperitoneal injection of neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 20 mg/kg daily for 12 days). The level and frequency of detection of antibodies to serotonin within 2 and 3 weeks after MPTP withdrawal did not differ, and the level and frequency of detection of antibodies to dopamine were significantly reduced within 3 weeks as compared with 2 weeks after the MPTP withdrawal. In is suggested that disturbances in neuroimmune interactions play an important part in development of depressive states.