What is ceftriaxone used for in rats? - briefly
Ceftriaxone is given to rats to investigate its neuroprotective and anti‑inflammatory actions in models of spinal cord injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is also used to assess pharmacokinetic parameters and dosing strategies applicable to human therapy.
What is ceftriaxone used for in rats? - in detail
Ceftriaxone is employed in laboratory rats primarily as a broad‑spectrum β‑lactam antibiotic for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection of 50–100 mg kg⁻¹ yields therapeutic concentrations that clear common pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus spp. The drug’s long half‑life (approximately 6 h in rodents) permits once‑daily dosing, reducing handling stress.
Beyond antimicrobial action, ceftriaxone serves as a pharmacological tool in neuroscience research. It up‑regulates the excitatory amino‑acid transporter 2 (EAAT2/GLT‑1) in astroglial cells, enhancing glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft. This property is exploited in models of:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where increased glutamate uptake delays motor neuron loss.
- Ischemic stroke, providing neuroprotection by limiting excitotoxic damage.
- Substance‑use disorder, attenuating cocaine‑induced reinstatement through reduced glutamatergic signaling.
The compound also aids in studies of blood‑brain barrier permeability, as its limited central penetration allows assessment of transporter‑mediated drug delivery.
Pharmacokinetic data indicate that a single 100 mg kg⁻¹ dose produces peak plasma levels of 150–200 µg mL⁻¹ within 30 min, with renal excretion accounting for the majority of clearance. Repeated dosing over 7–14 days is tolerated without severe hematologic or hepatic toxicity, although mild transient elevations in liver enzymes may occur.
In toxicology, ceftriaxone functions as a positive control for infection‑related mortality, confirming the efficacy of novel antimicrobial candidates. Its stability in aqueous solution (up to 24 h at room temperature) simplifies experimental design.
Overall, ceftriaxone’s dual role as an antibiotic and a modulator of glutamate transport makes it a versatile agent in rodent research, supporting both infectious disease models and investigations into neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.