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Background and purpose:  Depression is common in early phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may represent prodromal symptoms of dementia. Recent reports suggest that early memory deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms are caused by soluble rather than aggregated βamyloid (Aβ). Thus, we investigated the effects of soluble Aβ_1‐42 on working memory and depressive/anxiety‐related behaviour in rats and on 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic neurotransmission and neurotrophin content in various brain regions.

Experimental approach:  Behavioural reactivity to novel object recognition, open field, elevated plus maze and forced swimming test were assessed 7 days after i.c.v. injection of Aβ_1‐42 or its vehicle. BDNF (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (nerve growth factor) mRNA and protein levels and 5‐hydroxytriptamine (5‐HT) content were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum (STR …