Neonatal clomipramine induced endogenous depression in rats is associated with learning impairment in adulthood.

Clinical studies show cognitive impairment in depression. However, the neural substrates underlying these remain elusive. Hence, we have examined the effect of neonatal clomipramine treatment on cognition in adulthood. The neonatal clomipramine treated rats displayed a profound impairment in partially baited 8-arm radial maze task. This work provides a novel perspective into neural basis of depression associated cognitive changes and help in development of therapeutic strategies to treat depression related memory dysfunctions.