Byline: Maria M. Campos (1), Elizabeth S. Fernandes (1), Juliano Ferreira (1), Adair R. S. Santos (2), Joao B. Calixto (1)

Keywords:

Trichilia catigua; Catuaba; Antidepressant; Mice; Rat; Monoamine uptake and release

Abstract:

Rationale

Currently available therapy for depression treatment is often associated with several undesirable side effects, and it is effective only in a certain portion of the population. Therefore, the identification of alternative therapeutic tools for the treatment of depression is still needed.

Objective

The present study analyzed the possible antidepressant-like effects of the Brazilian medicinal plant, Trichilia catigua, in rodents. Attempts were also made to investigate some of the possible mechanisms implicated in its actions.

Methods

The antidepressant-like effects of T. catigua extract were assessed in two species of rodents (mice and rats) by means of in vivo (forced swimming test) and in vitro (monoamine reuptake and release in synaptosomal preparations) approaches.

Results

Acute oral treatment with the extract of T. catigua produced antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming model in both mice and rats. Anti-immobility actions of T. catigua extract in mice were significantly reversed by haloperidol or by chlorpromazine, but not by pimozide, ketanserin, spiroxatrine or p-chlorophenylalanine. In vitro, T. catigua extract concentration-dependently inhibited the uptake and increased the release of serotonin, and especially of dopamine, from rat brain synaptosomal preparations.

Conclusions

The present study provides convincing evidence for a dopamine-mediated antidepressant-like effect of the active principle(s) present in the hydroalcoholic extract of T. catigua in mice and rats when in vivo and in vitro strategies were employed. Therefore, a standardized T. catigua extract or its purified constituents could be of potential interest for the treatment of depressive disorders.

Author Affiliation:

(1) Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario, 88049-900, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

(2) Department of Physiology, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario, 88049-900, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Article History:

Registration Date: 11/05/2005

Received Date: 11/11/2004

Accepted Date: 29/04/2005

Online Date: 01/07/2005