ESTIMATION OF THE ANXIOLYTIC-LIKE EFFECT OF THE Β-Carboline ALKALOID HARMINE ON STRESSED PREGNANT RATS

Abstract

Objective: During the last decade, the role of the β-carboline alkaloid harmine has essentially been studied with regard to its anxiolytic effect, as it was done in our laboratory; therefore, this study has been progressed to cover the effect of this alkaloid on pregnant wistar rats. Methods:The molecule was used at doses of 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, pregnant female rats were divided into three groups according to the stage of pregnancy: first, second, and the third week of pregnancy. Each group has been subdivided into seven subgroups: control group, two treated groups with harmine, acute footshock stress at 1,2mA, sub-acute footshock stress at 0,4mA, psychological stress, and the treated group that footshocked after with 1,2mA, all groups were carried out open field test, plus maze test and light/dark box test. Results:Thigmotaxis is reflected by the significant increase in the traveled distance in peripheral area in the open field of the three groups 'weeks' at dose of 10 mg/kg, the enhancement in the number and time of rearing, at both doses, during the second and the last week, the significant increase in the number of entries 'in open arms' in plus-maze during the first and third weeks at 15 mg/kg, and the significant decreased in time spent in the light compartment of the light/dark box at the same dose of all groups 'weeks' were noticed, which confirm the anxiolytic effect of the alkaloid, even in the case of the footschock stressed pregnant rats of all groups 'weeks' that enhancement of number of enties into open arms during the plus maze test. Conclusion:So we can conclude that the anxiolytic effect of harmine not shortening to male rats, but expands to female pregnant wistar rats, and establishes its effect by diminishing time in light compartment of light/dark box and number of entries in open arms of plus maze, in other hand, the increase in the number and the time of rearing reflects the enhancement of exploratory behavior.

Effect of Drotaverine, a Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor in Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats

“…For each animal, the Y-maze testing was carried out for 5 min. The apparatus was cleaned with 5% alcohol and allowed to dry between sessions [15,16].…”

Experimental research of Harmine hydrochloride effect on internal organs

“…Harmine can exert antitumor activity at a dose of 15 mg / kg / day in vivo, which is also associated with the arrest of the cell cycle 14 . In addition, harmine has an anxiolytic effect 15 and other types of pharmacological activity, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, cytotoxic, antiplasmic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and hallucinogenic properties [16][17][18] . It effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A and monoamine oxidase A or B receptors, enhances insulin sensitivity and also causes vasorelaxing effect 19 .Harmine prevents the loss of bone tissue, suppressing osteoclastogenesis 20 .…”