Investigating the effect of rivastigmine on the duration of forced swimming in male Alzheimer's rats treated with streptototocin

Introduction: Depression and dementia are among the most common and debilitating disorders in the elderly that severely affect the quality of life of patients and families. In this experimental study, the effect of rivastigmine in two different forms, on depression symptoms in Alzheimer's rats treated with Streptozotocin (STZ) was investigated.
Methods: In this experimental study, 32 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) control, 2) Alzheimer's, 3) Alzheimer's treated with oral rivastigmine (0.5 mg/kg/day, gavage), 4) Alzheimer's treated with dermal rivastigmine (0.5 mg/kg/day nanofiber patch). To induce the Alzheimer's model, streptozotocin (STZ 3mg/kg) was injected into each ventricle of the brain. 4 weeks after treatment, depressive symptoms were assessed by forced swimming tests (FST) and sucrose preference (SPT). Data analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance.
Results: Compared with the control group, STZ group rats showed a significant increase in immobility time (FST) and a significant decrease in sucrose preference percentage (p<0.01). Rivastigmine administration in both oral and dermal forms significantly improved these behavioral changes induced by STZ. (p<0.05) The antidepressant effect of oral rivastigmine administration was significantly stronger than its dermal form. (p<0.05)Conclusion: According to these findings, Alzheimer's disease causes or exacerbates depressive-like behaviors in rat, and oral administration of rivastigmine is more effective in reducing depressive symptoms than its cutaneous administration.These findings emphasize the potential of rivastigmine beyond the treatment of cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's and its role in managing the mood symptoms associated with this disease.