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Deuterium depletion induces anxiolytic-like effects in rats

Mladin Cristian (University of Craiova, Faculty of Chemistry, Craiova, Romania)
Ciobica Alin (“Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iasi, Romania + Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch, Romania)
Lefter Radu (“Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iasi, Romania)
Popescu Alexandru (University of Craiova, Faculty of Chemistry, Craiova, Romania)
Bild Walther (Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch, Romania + “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania)

Deuterium-depleted water (DDW) has a concentration of deuterium 6-7 times lower than naturally occurring water (20-25 ppm vs. 150 ppm). When administered for a longer period, it can reduce the concentration of deuterium throughout the body, activating cellular mechanisms that depend on protons. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of chronic DDW administration on anxiety-related processes in Wistar rats when compared to a control group that received distilled water, as studied in an elevated plus maze behavioral test. Our results describe a possible anxiolytic-like effect of DDW administration on rats, as shown by the increase in the percentage of time and number of entries in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. The administration of DDW also resulted in stimulated head-dipping behavior in the open arms, which is a behavioral change that characterizes the exploratory behavior and decreased inhibition/ fear in an unfamiliar environment. We conclude that the change in this balance may have important consequences for many biological mechanisms. A deuterium desaturation treatment with DDW might have a use in anxiety disorders.

Keywords: Deuterium-depleted water, anxiety, elevated plus maze