Study interaction between oxytocin and α2 - adrenoceptors in locus coreleus on height induced anxiety in male rat

Some studies have shown that oxytocin affects many physiological phenomena via the central nervous system with unknown mechanisms. In the present study the effect of oxytocin administration in locus coeruleus and its interaction with α2 adrenoceptors antagonist on anxiety behavior in male rats was investigated. The wistar adult male rats weighing 285±15 grams were divided in five groups: Receiving saline, oxytocin (2ng/2µl), yohimbine (3.3µg/2µl), yohimbine+oxytocin, saline+ oxytocin in locus coeruleus nucleus. The anxiety behavior evaluated with elevated plus maze. Results indicated that oxytocin increased anxiety in elevated plus maze but no effect in locomotors activity. Yohimbine as an α2 receptors antagonist in locus coeruleus increased anxiety and did not affect locomotors activity. Anxiogenic effect of oxytocin in presence of yohimbine increased but did not change locomotors activity. These results suggested that oxytocin may influences neural factors in locus coeruleus nucleus and probably changes anxiety parameters via α2 – adrenoceptors system