A monoamine oxidase inhibitor reverses the 'separation syndrome' in a new hamster separation model of depression

A broad spectrum monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) was tested in a new hamster separation model of depression. In this paradigm, male dwarf hamsters show increases in body weight, decreases in exploratory behaviors, and decreases in social interactions, when separated from female mates. Tranylcypromine (10 mg/kg s.c. daily for 14 days) effectively reduced body weight, increased exploration, and increased social interaction, in the separated males. Subsequent treatment with saline restored the separation-induced changes in body weight, exploratory behaviors, and other social behaviors. The 'separation syndrome' in dwarf hamsters appears to be completely reversed by at least one antidepressant treatment.