Amelioration Of Atlantia Monophylla In Chronic Unpredictable Stress Induced Depression Like Behaviour In Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is a debilitating and pervasive illness that may influence the person in many ways and     it is distinguished by some of the indications like changes in behavioral, psychological and physiological levels in brain. Hippocampus is implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of various mood disorders.

Methods: The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model has been used as one of the animal models for depression. Aqueous extract of Atlantia monophylla (AEAM) was selected and screened for its anti-depressant activity in CUS model using Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as standard. Animals (Wistar albino rats) were selected to CUS procedure for 28 days and all the days (Day 1 – Day 28) AEAM was administered at doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight and behavioral, biochemical parameters were analyzed at the end of treatment.

Results: CUS                             exposure produced a depression like behavior corroborated by the lengthened immobility time in forced swim test apparatus. In Actophotometer decreased locomotor activity and in the hole board test, decline in the number of head dips and line crossings. Biochemical findings revealed that reduction in the levels of oxidative parameters like superoxide dismutase, catalase. AEAM at the doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight produced significant effects on behavioral and biochemical tests when compared to CUS group.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study advocate that the repeated administration of AEAM notably reversed CUS induced depressive like behavior and oxidative damage in dose dependent manner.