Harmane induces anxiolysis and antidepressant-like effects in rats.
A forced swim test (FST) and an elevated plus maze (EPM) were used to determine antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of harmane in rats in comparison with a known antidepressant, imipramine (30 mg/kg i.p.). Harmane (2.5, 5.0, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.), saline, or imipramine were given 30 minutes before the tests. Administration of harmane decreased the time of immobility in the FST dose-dependently and increased the time spent in open arms in the EPM, as compared with the saline group. As an endogenous substance, harmane therefore has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
Aricioglu
Feyza
F
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Haydarpasa, Istanbul, Turkey. feyzak@turk.net
Altunbas
Hale
H
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006247:Harmine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007099:Imipramine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013550:Swimming
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D006247:Harmine; C005010:harman; D007099:Imipramine