Role of alpha2 receptors in quercetin-induced behavioral despair in mice.
Depression is a well-defined illness that afflicts a large population worldwide. Various biochemical theories have been described; however, the pathophysiology of depression is still poorly understood. The present study explores the role of a natural flavonoid, quercetin, in the forced swimming model of depression and its interaction with presynaptic alpha(2) adrenoceptors. Quercetin induced a significant behavioral despair, which was abrogated with pretreatment with yohimbine, an alpha(2) adrenoceptor antagonist, and imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. The results of the study support the contention that quercetin utilizes presynaptic alpha(2) adrenoceptors in eliciting its depressant activity in mice.
Kaur
Rajnendrapal
R
Division of Pharmacology, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Chopra
Kanwaljit
K
Singh
Devinder
D
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007099:Imipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D051379:Mice; D011794:Quercetin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / Q000502:physiology*; D013550:Swimming; D015016:Yohimbine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2; D015016:Yohimbine; D011794:Quercetin; D007099:Imipramine