Dimensional complexity of the neuronal activity in a rat model of depression

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Abstract
The Flinders sensitive line of rats is a widely accepted and validated model of depression. These rats demonstrate abnormalities in limbic dopamine neurotransmission, suggesting disturbed neuronal activity in the ventral tegmental area. Interspike interval time-series were recorded from the ventral tegmental area of control Sprague–Dawley and Flinder sensitive line rats. These data were analyzed using standard measures (mean firing rate, bursting activity and spectral analysis) as well as the pointwise correlation dimension, a nonlinear measurement characterizing the complexity degree of dynamic systems. Pointwise correlation dimension, but not standard analysis revealed a significant difference between the animal lines. Our results suggest that nonlinear analyses can detect dysregulation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and shed light on the pathophysiology of depression.