Research reportEvidence for the involvement of 5-HT1A receptor in the acute antidepressant-like effect of creatine in mice

Creatine was previously shown to produce an antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test through a modulation of the dopaminergic system. In this study, the mechanisms underlying its antidepressant-like effect were further evaluated by investigating the involvement of the serotonergic system in its effect. The anti-immobility effect of creatine (1 mg/kg) was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA; 100 mg/kg, i.p., for 4 consecutive days, an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis). Creatine (0.01 mg/kg, sub-effective dose) in combination with sub-effective doses of WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg, s.c., a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist), 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT1A receptor agonist) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine (5 mg/kg, p.o.), paroxetine (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.), citalopram (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) and sertraline (3 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the immobility time in the tail suspension test as compared with either drug alone. These results indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of creatine is likely mediated by an interaction with 5-HT1A receptors. Of note, the present results also indicate that creatine improves the effectiveness of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a finding that may have therapeutic implications for the treatment of depressive disorders.

► Creatine antidepressant-like effect is mediated by 5-HT1A receptors. ► Creatine potentiates the antidepressant effect of SSRIs. ► Creatine may be an alternative for the treatment of depression.