The effect of 10 mg/kg per day desipramine for 7 days on performance in the forced swimming test was studied in rats given various treatments aimed at reducing central noradrenergic transmission. 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced destruction of noradrenaline-containing neurons originating in the locus coeruleus or ascending in the ventral bundle had no effect on the anti-immobility activity of desipramine. Likewise, no changes in the effect of desipramine were seen with an intraperitoneal injection of DSP-4 (50 mg/kg) which destroyed brain noradrenergic neurons, particularly those of the dorsal bundle ascending to the forebrain. The results argue against a role of noradrenaline in the mechanism by which repeated treatment with desipramine reduces the immobility of rats in the forced swimming test.

Chronic desipramine treatment does not involve noradrenaline in reducing immobility in rats in the forced swimming test.

Further evidence that noradrenaline is not involved in the anti-immobility activity of chronic desipramine in the rat.

Key Takeaway: Chronic desipramine treatment does not involve noradrenaline in reducing immobility in rats in the forced swimming test.