Number Of Head Dips Research Articles

Impact of seasonality on certain parameters of behavioral testing in rats

Introduction. Effects of the daytime period (circadian photoperiod) and seasonality on behavioral reactions and physiology of humans and animals remains one of the important issues of modern science.
 Material and methods. We have summarized our own data on control animals collected in experimental studies conducted in all seasons of the year. The hole-board test and summation threshold index were chosen to assess the behavior of rats. The data analysis was performed in Microsoft Excel 2016 using Student’s t-test, p<0.05. In addition, we estimated a percent deviation of the indicators under study from their annual averages.
 Results. We established that, as assessed by the number of head dips in the hole-board test, male rats kept at natural lighting demonstrated the most active exploratory behavior in spring and autumn while in summer, on the opposite, their exploration was statistically reduced. Values of the summation threshold index were the highest in winter and summer but lower in spring and especially in autumn. In springtime, the summation threshold index in male rats was statistically different from that observed in autumn and winter. In female rats, the index of the the hole-board test in spring was statistically significantly increased compared to data for all seasons of the year.
 Limitations of the study. An analysis was carried out of the data obtained at the experimental animal clinic of the Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers for 7 years (2015–2022).
 Conclusion. Our findings show that duration of the daytime period and seasonality can affect the results of some behavioral tests measuring lability of the central nervous system and exploratory activity of animals. They can contribute to the methodological basis for planning toxicity testing with account for seasonal fluctuations in physiological parameters of laboratory rodents.

Exposure to an enriched environment exerts anxiolytic effects in Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats

Exposure to an enriched environment (EE) has been reported to generate multiple beneficial effects in rodents, including – among the many – amelioration of anxiety-related behaviors. The present study investigated whether living in an EE produced anxiolytic effects also in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats. The relevance of this research question relied on two factors: sP rats displayed an inherent, high anxiety-like state under different experimental conditions; exposure to EE reduced operant, oral alcohol self-administration in sP rats. Starting from weaning, male sP rats were kept under 3 different housing conditions: impoverished environment (IE; single housing with no environmental enrichment); standard environment (SE; 3 rats/cage with no environmental enrichment); EE (6 rats/cage with various elements of environmental enrichment). At the age of approximately 80 days, rats were exposed to an elevated plus maze test for assessment of anxiety-related behaviors. Compared to IE and SE rats, EE rats displayed higher basal levels of exploratory activity (i.e., increased number of entries into closed arms). Compared to IE and SE rats, EE rats also displayed a less “anxious” profile, as suggested by the increase in percent number of entries into open arms (OAs), percent time spent in OAs, number of head dips, and number of end-arm explorations in OAs. These data extend the protective (anxiolytic) effects of EE to a proposed animal model of comorbid alcohol use disorder and anxiety disorders.

Evaluation of sesamol for anxiolytic activity in 72 hours sleep deprivation model in C57BL/6 mice

Background: In our study, we explored anxiolytic activity of sesamol in C57BL/6 mice. Anxiety was induced in mice after 72 hours of sleep deprivation. Anxiety was assessed by three behavioural tests as Open field test, hole board test and light dark chamber test. Methods: In our study, sesamol was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice for anxiolytic activity. Anxiety was induced by flower pot technique, in which sleep deprivation was done in mice for 72 hours. After 72 hours of sleep deprivation, the animals were subjected to three behavioural tests, as open field test, Hole board test and Light dark chamber test. In the Open field test, parameter assessed was time spent in central square, that was considered as a measure of anxiolytic activity. In hole board test, increase in number of head dips was indicative of anxiolytic activity. Anxiety assessment was also done by light dark chamber test, where more time spent in light chamber is considered as indicative of anxiolytic activity. Results: In open field test, sesamol 20 mg/kg group, the time spent in central square was statistically significant (p<0.05) in post hoc comparison, suggesting that sesamol exhibited anxiolytic effect in animals. In hole board test, sesamol 20 mg/kg group showed significant increase (p<0.05) in number of head dips indicating its anxiolytic activity in the said model. In light dark chamber test, there is significant increase in anxiolytic activity in diazepam group as compared to control group, while not significant with sesamol in either dose in light dark chamber test. Conclusions: So, to conclude, sesamol exhibited statistically significant anxiolytic activity in the dose of 20 mg/kg in open field test and hole board test.

IN-VIVO ASSESSMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIC AND ANXIOLYTIC ACTIVITIES ON SWISS ALBINO MICE AND ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY ON EARTHWORM OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF MICROCOS PANICULATA LEAVES

The aim of the present study is to investigate the hypoglycemic, anxiolytic and anthelmintic activities of the methanolic extract of Microcos paniculata Leaves. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by measuring the blood glucose level of swiss albino mice, and anxiolytic activity was evaluated by hole board and elevated plus-maze tests on swiss albino mice. The anthelmintic activity was evaluated by measuring the paralysis and death times of adult earthworms. The methanolic extract of M. peniculata showed a highly significant (p< 0.001) hypoglycemic effect by reducing blood glucose levels with time, and the reduction is also dose-dependent. In the hole board test, the extract caused a large increase in the number of head dips. In the elevated plus-maze test, the extract caused a large increase in the amount of time spent in the open arm and a decrease in the amount of time spent in the closed arm. The extract showed highly significant (p< 0.001) anthelmintic activity by causing paralysis and death of earthworms in a short period, which is inversely proportional to increasing the concentration of extract. The evaluated results indicate the presence of hypoglycemic, anxiolytic and anthelmintic activities of this plant extract. Further investigation needs to be done to pick out the phyto-constituents responsible for these activities. KEYWORDS: Hypoglycemic, Anxiolytic, Anthelmintic, Microcos paniculata Leaves, Swiss albino mice, Earthworms

A Lupin (Lupinusangustifolius) Protein Hydrolysate Exerts Anxiolytic-Like Effects in Western Diet-Fed ApoE-/- Mice.

Anxiety is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide, causing a substantial economic burden due to the associated healthcare costs. Given that commercial anxiolytic treatments may cause important side effects and have medical restrictions for prescription and high costs, the search for new natural and safer treatments is gaining attention. Since lupin protein hydrolysate (LPH) has been shown to be safe and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, key risk factors for the anxiety process and memory impairment, we evaluated in this study the potential effects of LPH on anxiety and spatial memory in a Western diet (WD)-induced anxiety model in ApoE−/− mice. We showed that 20.86% of the 278 identified LPH peptides have biological activity related to anxiolytic/analgesic effects; the principal motifs found were the following: VPL, PGP, YL, and GQ. Moreover, 14 weeks of intragastrical LPH treatment (100 mg/kg) restored the WD-induced anxiety effects, reestablishing the anxiety levels observed in the standard diet (SD)-fed mice since they spent less time in the anxiety zones of the elevated plus maze (EPM). Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of head dips was recorded in LPH-treated mice, which indicates a greater exploration capacity and less fear due to lower levels of anxiety. Interestingly, the LPH group showed similar thigmotaxis, a well-established indicator of animal anxiety and fear, to the SD group, counteracting the WD effect. This is the first study to show that LPH treatment has anxiolytic effects, pointing to LPH as a potential component of future nutritional therapies in patients with anxiety.

Anxiolytic, antidepressant and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Canarium resiniferum leaves

Background and aimThis study evaluated the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Canarium resiniferum (MECR) leaves, and determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in this extract. Experimental procedureThe anxiolytic effect of MECR (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, p. o.) was tested in mice using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, the hole-board test (HBT), and the light-dark box (LDB) test. Its antidepressant effect was evaluated in the tail suspension (TST) and the forced swim (FST) tests. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content was measured using standard colorimetric assays. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results and conclusionMECR, at all doses, showed dose-dependent anxiolytic activity. At 400 mg/kg, it significantly increased the time spent and number of entries in the open arms (EPM test), the number of head-dips (HBT), and the time spent into the light compartment (LDB) test compared to the control. In the TST and FST, MECR dose-dependently reduced the duration of immobility compared to untreated animals. This was significant for all doses except for 100 mg/kg in the FST model. MECR showed high TPC and TFC (90.94 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g and 51.54 ± 0.78 mg QE/g of dried extract, respectively) and displayed potent activity in the DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 177.82 μg/mL) and FRAP assays. These findings indicate that C. resiniferum has the potential to alleviate anxiety and depression disorders, which merits further exploration.

Intraamygdaloid Oxytocin Reduces Anxiety in the Valproate-Induced Autism Rat Model.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting about 1.5% of children, and its prevalence is increasing. Anxiety is one of the most common comorbid signs of ASD. Despite the increasing prevalence, the pathophysiology of ASD is still poorly understood, and its proper treatment has not been defined yet. In order to develop new therapeutic approaches, the valproate- (VPA) induced rodent model of autism can be an appropriate tool. Oxytocin (OT), as a prosocial hormone, may ameliorate some symptoms of ASD. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the possible anxiolytic effect of intraamygdaloid OT on VPA-treated rats using the elevated plus maze test. Results: Our results show that male Wistar rats prenatally exposed to VPA spent significantly less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze apparatus and performed significantly less head dips from the open arms. Bilateral OT microinjection into the central nucleus of the amygdala increased the time spent in the open arms and the number of head dips and reduced the anxiety to the healthy control level. An OT receptor antagonist blocked the anxiolytic effects of OT. The antagonist by itself did not influence the time rats spent in the open arms. Conclusions: Our results show that intraamygdaloid OT has anxiolytic effects in autistic rats.

Central nervous system depressant activity of ethanol extract of Motandra guineensis (Thonn) AD. aerial parts in mice

BackgroundMotandra guineensis Thonn AD. (Apocynaceae) is used for the management of pain and as a sedative in the treatment of insanity in Nigerian traditional medicine. The study investigated the neuropharmacological activities of the aerial parts of M. guineensis in mice. MethodsClassical models of tail suspension, forced swim, open field, hole board, elevated plus maze, and sodium pentobarbital-induced sleeping time tests were employed and the extract was administered at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. Oral acute toxicity test was done at the dose of 2000 mg/kg. The extract was also subjected to phytochemical tests and GC–MS analysis. ResultsIn tail suspension test, the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time of mice compared to control while in the forced swim test, immobility time of the mice decreased in a dose-dependant manner. In the open field test, there was a significant and dose-dependant reduction in the number of lines and squares crossed compared with control. The number of head dips in the hole-board test was decreased in the extract treated groups compared to control. The extract significantly increased the time spent in the open arms of elevated plus-maze apparatus at higher doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) compared to control. The phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time was prolonged by the extract at all doses compared to control. There was no death recorded for the extract at the dose of 2000 mg/kg. ConclusionThe results indicate possible CNS depressant effect of the ethanol extract of M. guineensis, thus support the use of the plant as a sedative in the treatment of insanity in Nigerian traditional medicine.

Assessment of the effects of maternal deprivation in offspring treated with ultra-high diluted Zincum metallicum in rats

Introduction: Clinical studies have shown that adverse events in childhood can lead to the development of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, in adolescence and adulthood in humans. Manipulations with laboratory animals, such as maternal deprivation (MD), are a source of stress for the offspring and can be a useful tool for the understanding how these events in the early period of development can lead to behavioral changes in adulthood. Studies about the use of homeopathic ultra-high dilutions as tools to minimize stress are found in the literature, i.e. Zincum metallicum is used for the treatment of neurological and behavioral symptoms, including: weakening of intellectual functions with brain and nervous exhaustion, loss of vitality, slow comprehension, memory disorder, general tremor and constant movements. These alterations can be characterized as stress-related phenomena in different species. 
 Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of homeopathic treatment in animals subjected to stress in their early days (maternal deprivation). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Santo Amaro (UNISA), according to Process number 11/2014.
 Materials and Methods: In this study, newborn female rats were subjected to maternal deprivation and treated from the 10th day of lactation (PND10) until weaning (PND21). The animals were divided in 4 groups: 8 treated with Zincum metallicum 30 cH (Zn30cH); 8 treated with Zincum metallicum 6 cH (Zn6cH); 8 treated with 10% hydroalcoholic solution (medicines in blind trials, identified by codes); and 8 animals who had neither taken anything (“blank control”) nor experienced deprivation. The animals were weighed weekly, from weaning until the end of the experiment, and evaluated in the Open Field (OF) and in the Plus Maze (PM) devices to measure mobility, emotionality and anxiety, in 3 moments: in PND21 (childhood), during puberty (PND 40) and adulthood (PND75). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, followed by the Bartlett's Test and Bonferroni's Multiple Comparison Test, being p≤0.05. 
 Results and Discussion: In the OF, it was observed reduction of immobility in Zn6cH group (p≤0.05) at PND21. At PND40, the Zn30cH group showed higher activity than the other groups, with increased rearing and decreased immobility (p≤0.05). Finely, at PND75 (adulthood) no change occurred, and Zincum metallicum treated rats presented similar behavior to the undeprived animals. In the PM, at PND21, the Zn30cH treated deprived group showed decrease in the open arm entry and retention period in the Maze, compared to the control undeprived group (p≤0.05). The time in the closed arm was higher than the undeprived control group and the number of head dips was lower (p≤0.05). The PM observation at 45 and 75 days showed no statistical difference among groups. The deprived animals which took Zn30cH obtained the same gain that the undeprived animals did (p≤0.05). Therefore, the deprived animals that presented anxiety during childhood were in accordance to other studies, showing that maternal deprivation is a stress factor that causes anxiety. However, the time of emotional unbalance was shorter in rats treated with Zincum metallicum. 
 Conclusion: Zincum metallicum 30 cH seems to be a potential medicine to manage troubles in the childhood derived from stress caused by maternal deprivation. However, other studies are already underway with male offspring and neurochemical measurements, for a better parameter of results.

Anti-depressant, Anxiolytic, and the Muscle Relaxant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cissampelos pareira Linn. Leaves.

The ethnopharmacological relevance suggests that the ethnic minorities of India use leaves of Cissampelos pareira L. as a traditional medicine for curing various psychopharmacological disorders. To evaluate anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira. Leaves of Cissampelos pareira were extracted using a hydro-alcoholic solvent. The safety of hydro-alcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira was assessed by acute oral toxicity (OECD 423). The anti-depressant activity was measured using open field test, locomotor test, despair swim test, tail suspension test. The anxiolytic activity was assessed using elevated plus maze and hole board test, and skeletal muscle relaxant activity was assessed using rotarod, grip strength, chimney, and inclined plane test. No moribund status or mortality was observed in experimental mice up to 2000 mg/kg dose of Cissampelos pareira hydro-alcoholic extract (CPHE). In the open field and actophotometer tests, CPHE 200 and 400 mg/kg treated mice significantly abridged ambulation, number of central squares crossed, total locomotion, and depicted less coordinated movements, and in despair swim and tail suspension tests, CPHE 400 mg/kg treated mice significantly decreased duration of immobility and increased number of climbing, confirming its anti-depressant effect. In an elevated plus-maze test, CPHE 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the open arm exploration, while in the hole board test, CPHE 400 mg/kg treated rats augmented the number of head dips, depicting its anxiolytic effect. In rotarod, grip strength, and inclined plane test, CPHE 400 mg/kg treated mice decreased the fall-off time on a rotating rod, suspended wire, or inclined plane. Furthermore, in the chimney test, treatment with CPHE 400 depicted less coordinated movements in mice; the mice of this group took more time to leave the cylinder, depicting its skeletal muscle relaxant effect. Based on the results, of this study, it can be concluded that CPHE 400 mg/kg exhibits strong anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects, justifying its traditional uses.

Anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects of ethanol extract of Terminalia chebula in mice

Terminalia chebula (T.chebula) fruit is referred as “King of Medicines” in Tibet and is listed as a key plant in “Ayurvedic Materia Medica” due to its diverse pharmacological activity. The present study was aimed to investigate the comorbid antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of ethanol extract from T.chebula fruit using experimental behavioral tests in mice. In addition, the study explored the effects of extract on monoamine oxidase –A (MAO-A) levels in mouse brain. Two doses of the T.chebula extract (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) were treated continuously for fifteen days to mice. Regarding antidepressant-like effects, the treatment of T.chebula extract at both dose (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) levels resulted with significant (p < 0.001) reduction in duration of immobility time and increase in swimming time as compared to control group in forced swimming test. Moreover, both doses declined the duration of immobility time in the tail suspension test and increased the number of crossing in the center area using open-field test. Additionally, the dose 200 mg/kg treatment showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in MAO-A activity in mouse brain. For anxiolytic activity, both doses significantly (p < 0.001) improved the time spent in open arm and the number of head dips in elevated plus maze test. The higher duration of time spent in light chamber and higher number of crossing between the light and dark chambers by extract treatment in light-dark box test also supported the anxiolytic behavior. The obtained results supported the antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of ethanol extract of T.chebula in mice.

Investigation of Potential Antioxidant, Thrombolytic and Neuropharmacological Activities of Homalomena aromatica Leaves Using Experimental and In Silico Approaches

The leaves of Homalomena aromatica are traditionally used in Bangladesh for the treatment of different chronic ailments. The purpose of this study was to explore in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic activities, and in vivo neuropharmacological effects of methanolic extract of Homalomena aromatica (MEHA) leaves. Antioxidant activity of MEHA was assessed by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolics content, total flavonoids content were also measured. The thrombolytic activity was determined by percentage of clot lysis and neuropharmacological activities by hole board, tail suspension, forced swimming and elevated plus maze tests. The results showed that the IC50 value of the extract against DPPH was 199.51 μg/mL. Quantitative analysis displayed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids (147.71 mg gallic acid equivalent/g & 66.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried extract, respectively). The extract also showed a significant clot lysis (33.31%) activity. In case of anxiolytic activity, the elevate plus maze (EPM) test demonstrated an increase in time spent in open arms, and in case of hole board test, the number of head dipping was also significantly increased (p < 0.05). All the test compared with control (1% Tween in water) and standard (diazepam 1 mg/kg), significant dose (200 & 400 mg/kg) dependent anxiolytic activity was found. In antidepressant activity, there was a significant decrease in period of immobility in both test models (tail suspension and forced swimming) (p < 0.05). Moreover, 13 compounds were identified as bioactive, showed good binding affinities to xanthine oxidoreductase, tissue plasminogen activator receptor, potassium channel receptor, human serotonin receptor targets in molecular docking experiments. Furthermore, ADME/T analysis revealed their drug-likeness, likely pharmacological actions and non-toxic upon consumption. Taken together, our finding support the traditional medicinal use of this plant, which may provide a potential source for future drug discovery.

Role of the reuniens and rhomboid thalamic nuclei in anxiety-like avoidance behavior in the rat.

The nucleus reuniens (RE) and rhomboid (RH) nuclei of the ventral midline thalamus are reciprocally connected with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus (HF) and serve as key intermediaries between these structures, regulating cognitive and emotional behaviors. Regarding affective behavior, several recent reports have described the involvement of RE/RH in the acquisition and retention of conditioned fear, but little is known regarding their role (RE/RH) in anxiety-like behaviors. We examined the role of RH/RE on avoidance and defensive behaviors in male Long Evans rats using the elevated plus maze (EPM). We found that the reversible suppression of RE/RH with muscimol increased avoidance behavior to the open arms of the plus maze as shown by: (a) significant reductions in open arm entries; (b) reductions in the mean duration of time spent in the open arms; and (c) significant increases in retreats during open arm exploration. This was coupled with decreases in the number of head dips in the maze. Consistent with these behavioral effects, a single exposure of naïve rats to the plus maze produced significant increases in c-fos expression selectively in RE and RH of midline thalamic nuclei. We posit that RE/RH normally acts to optimize adaptive responses to anxiety-eliciting situations, and disruptions of RE/RH produce severe deficits in coping behaviors-or as shown here increases in avoidance/defensive behaviors. In sum, the present results establish a novel role for RE/RH in anxiety-like avoidance behavior. In addition to its role in attention, working memory, and executive control, RE/RH also regulates adaptative responses to not only fear but also to anxiogenic stimuli. As such, dysfunction of RE/RH may contribute to the amalgamation of symptoms common to many mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD.

Central nervous system depressant activity of ethanol leaf extract of &lt;I&gt;Globimetula braunii&lt;/I&gt; (Engler) (Loranthaceae) growing on &lt;I&gt;Terminalia catappa&lt;/I&gt; L. (Combretaceae)

This study was carried out to determine phytochemical constituents, median lethal dose (LD50) and central nervous system depressant activity of ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii using laboratory animal models. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) of ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was determined in mice according to the method described by Lorke, 1983. The CNS depressant activity of Globimetula braunii leaf extract was determined using diazepam induced sleep, hole board test and beam walk assay. The ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids and glycoside. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose of the leaf extract of Globimetula braunii was estimated to be 2852 mg/kg bodyweight in mice. The ethanol leaf extract of Globimetula braunii significantly (p &lt;0.05) prolonged the duration of sleep in mice at the dose of 800 mg/kg. The extract prolonged the time to complete the beam walk, and exhibited significant decrease in number of head dips there by indicating a decrease in the exploratory behaviour of the animal. This study suggests that Globimetula braunii possesed sedative property.&#x0D; Keywords: Beam walk assay, diazepam induced sleep, hole board test, central nervous system, Globimetula braunii

Effect of various extracts of Justicia gendarussa leaves on neuropharmacological behavior activity in MPTP induced mice model

The present research work is assessment of various extracts of Justicia gendarussa (JG) leaves on neuropharmacological behavior studies in MPTP induced mice model. Animals were administered with Ethanol, Ethyl acetate, Aqueous and n-hexane extracts at dose 200 and 400mg/kg orally along with MPTP (20mg/kg I.P) 4 injections on day 1 and L-DOPA(100mg/kg I.P) was used as standard. Treatment was continued for 7 days and behavioral assessment was made by spontaneous motor activity, number of head dippings (alertness), rota rod test(grip strength) and immobility time by Tail suspension test (TST) and Forced swimming test(FST) on 1st, 4th and 7th day of treatment. The results of the present study showed that spontaneous motor activity, retention time on rota rod and number of head dipping were decreased (P<0.001) whereas, immobility time in TST and FST were increased (P<0.01) in MPTP induced animals. While the motor scores, alertness and retention time (P<0.001) were increased and immobility time in TST and FST(P<0.01) were decreased significantly and dose dependently with ethanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts on 4th and 7th day of treatment as compared with MPTP, L-dopa and normal control, where as n-hexane extract showed slight activity. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of all the extracts showed presence of flavonoids, poly phenols, amino acids, proteins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, tannins and alkaloids. It was observed that ethanol extract of JG at a dose of 400mg/kg on 7th day exhibited maximum increase in spontaneous motor activity, retention time and number of head dipping and decrease in immobility time in TST and FST as compared to Control, MPTP and L-Dopa treated animals. Evidence of above observations, Justicia gendarussa leaves may be suggested as a potential source for CNS stimulant activity with neuroprotective effect. The effect may be due to presence of L-dopa like compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids -polyphenols (Naringenin), amino acids like tyrosine and proteins.

Neuropharmacological Activity of Various Fractions Obtained from Solanum aethiopicum (Linn.) Fruit in Mice.

Background: Solanum aethiopicum (L.), family Solanaceae, is known as garden eggs. The fruit is used in the treatment of insomnia, diabetes and constipation. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate anxiolytic-like activity of fractions obtained from crude methanol extract of Solanum aethiopicum fruit. Method: Acute toxicity testing was conducted according to the OECD guidelines 420 via oral and intraperitoneal routes (ip). n-Hexane (HF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl-acetate (EAF), n-butanol (BF) and residual aqueous fraction (RAF) at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg ip were experimented using the open field, elevated plus maze, staircase, light dark box and hole-board tests. Results: Results: In open field test, there was statistically significant increase in frequency of central square entry by EAF 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg and RAF 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg all at p&lt;0.05 compared to distilled water (D/W) group. Elevated plus maze test showed statistically significant increases in open arm entry and duration by CHF 25mg/kg, RAF 25mg/kg and 50mg/kg again at p&lt;0.05. Also, in the staircase test, statistically significant decrease in frequency of rearing with no effect on step climbing was observed by RAF 25mg/kg (p&lt; 0.05) compared to D/W. Light and dark box test produced increased light box entry and duration by EAF 25mg/kg, RAF 25mg/kg and 50mg/ kg at p&lt;0.05. Furthermore, the hole -board test showed statistically significant increases in number of head dips by EAF 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg as well as RAF 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg at p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: The fractions obtained from Solanum aethiopicum fruits possesses anxiolytic-like activity.

Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities of hydroethanol leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis (P.Beauv.) Seem. (Bignoniaceae) in mice.

Newbouldia laevis (Bignoniaceae) is a woody tropical plant commonly found in southwest Nigeria. Ethnobotanical survey and literature revealed its application in the management of CNS disorders e.g. psychosis, insomnia, convulsions and associated anxiety and depression. This study evaluated the anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of the hydroethanol leaf extract of N. laevis in mice. The hole-board (HBT), elevated plus maze (EPMT), light/dark exploration (LDET), open field (OFT), social interaction (SIT) (anxiolytic activity), forced swim (FST) and tail suspension (TST) (antidepressant property) tests were employed in this investigation. Mice randomly allotted to different groups were treated orally with distilled water (10ml/kg), diazepam (1 and 3mg/kg), imipramine (20mg/kg) and N. laevis (25-200mg/kg). The mice were subjected to the various tests 60min post-treatment. In the HBT, N. laevis (25 and 100mg/kg) increased the number of sectional crossings significantly (p<0.05). In the OFT, N. laevis (25-200mg/kg) increased the number of general square crossings, centre square crossings, rearings and assisted rearings (p<0.05). In the EPMT, the extract (25 and 50 mg/kg) increased the open arms time spent, number of head dips and entry (p<0.05). In the LDET, N. laevis increased the number of transitions at 100 and 200mg/kg (p<0.05). For the SIT, N. laevis (25 and 200mg/kg) increased the frequency and duration of interaction respectively (p<0.05). In the FST and TST, N. laevis (25-200mg/kg) increased the latency and reduced the total duration of immobility (p<0.05). The effect of the extract on duration of immobility was significantly reversed by sulpiride (Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist). The hydroethanol leaf extract of N. laevis possesses anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities, the later possibly mediated by dopaminergic enhancement(s).

Neurobehavioral and neuroprotective role of captopril in the rotenone model of rat Parkinsonism

Angiotensin-converting enzymes are increasingly being tested in therapeutics of Parkinsonism. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavioral changes and neuroprotective role of captopril in the rotenone model of Parkinsonism in rats. Adult Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of six each. Parkinsonism was induced with rotenone (3 mg/Kg intraperitoneal) in three groups. The experimental group was treated with captopril (20 mg/kg intraperitoneal). The effects were compared with a standard group treated with levodopa (12 mg/Kg) and Benserazide (3 mg/Kg). Behavioral effects were evaluated by the rotarod test, spontaneous locomotor activity, hole board test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. Neuroprotection was noted with an estimation of glutathione and lipid peroxidation from rat brain homogenate. Levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA were also noted. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the brain evaluated for any histoarchitectural changes. Rats pre-treated with captopril have shown a significant increase in the duration of stay in the rotarod test, a significant increase in the number of head dipping in hole board test, significant lower duration of immobility in forced swim test and tail suspension test. Captopril has a significant neuroprotective role, as evidenced by a significant decrease in levels of glutathione and a significant increase in lipid peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and MAO-B levels. Captopril has significant effects on brain neurotransmitters, as evidenced by dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Captopril has shown significant neuronal protection by increased expression of Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry in rotenone-induced PD. Captopril has shown significant improvement in motor coordination (as evidenced through rotarod test), exploratory behavior (hole board test), depression (forced swimming test, and tail suspension test). Captopril significantly reduces oxidative stress conditions. Captopril has not shown major histoanatomical changes in the rotenone model. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; neuroprotection; dopaminergic neurons; Parkinsonism; rotenone model

Neuropharmacological activities of ethanol leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Cussonia barteri&lt;/i&gt; Seeman (Araliaceae) in laboratory animals

The anticonvulsant studies on Cussonia barteri Seeman (Araliaceae) were carried out using maximal electroshock test (MEST), pentylenetetrazole and strychnine-induced seizures model in chicks and mice. In addition, sedative and anxiolytic effect of the extract was evaluated using diazepam-induced sleeping time, hole-board, beam walk assay and open field test in mice. The extract was also evaluated for acute toxicity. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 of the extract was estimated to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg and 2, 154.1 mg/kg body weight respectively. The extract did not protect the chicks against maximal electroshock seizure; neither did it shorten the mean recovery time. The extract produced 66.67% and 83.33% protection against strychnine and pentylenetetrazole induced seizures respectively at the highest dose (400 mg/kg) tested. The extract decreases the number of head dips in hole-board test, suggesting its sedative property, which was confirmed by the ability of extract to prolonged diazepam sleeping time. The extract did not significantly increase the time spent on the beam but at the highest dose tested significantly increased the number of foot slips, an index of motor coordination deficit. The extract insignificantly decreased number of rearing, Total Square and Central Square crossed in an open field test. These results suggest that the extract may contain compound(s) that may be beneficial in the management of absence or myoclonic seizures.Keywords: Cussonia barteri; Epilepsy; Seizure; Sedative; Anxiolytic

Neuropharmacological potential of Ceriscoides turgida (Roxb.) leaf and root in mice

BackgroundRecently, medicinal plants have grabbed attention worldwide in the field of neurosciences for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally, Ceriscoides turgida is used to treat scorpion string, epilepsy, stomachache etc. Present study was designed to peruse neuropharmacological properties of leaf and root extract of C. turgida.MethodsThe neuropharmacological activities were examined by thiopental sodium induced sleeping time, hole cross, hole board and open field tests in mice at the doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight.ResultsAll the extracts exhibited significant reduction of onset and duration of sleep in thiopental sodium induced sleeping time test. Besides, significant reduction of spontaneous locomotor and exploratory activities was found in both hole cross and open field test. Furthermore, both extracts also decreased the number of head dips by mice in hole-board test.ConclusionAltogether, these results suggest that experimental extracts of C. turgida possesses potent CNS depressant and hypnotic properties, which support its use in traditional medicine.