Effects of anti-depressants on olfactory sensitivity in mice

Abstract Rationale and objectives Some studies have underlined a decrease in olfactory sensitivity in patients suffering from depression. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of current anti-depressant drugs on the olfactory sensitivity in mice. Methods mice (N° = 22) were tested in a Y-maze with a choice between an odorant (butanol) or distilled water before and during 3 weeks of daily intra-peritoneal injection of either citalopram or clomipramine. Their performance was compared with those of a control group (N° = 11) injected with a saline solution. Results The results showed a significant decrease in olfactory sensitivity with both anti-depressants during the three weeks of treatment. Conclusion The antidepressant induced alteration in serotonin and/or noradrenaline transmission in the olfactory bulb may account for the altered olfactory sensitivity observed in this study.