Monu Yadav1, Milind Parle2, Deepak Kumar Jindal1, Sameer Dhingra3. 1. Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India. 2. Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India. Electronic address: monuyadav.pharmacology@gmail.com. 3. Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stigmasterol, a naturally occurring phytoestrogen has been reported to possess many pharmacological activities. The aim of the present study was to screen the effect of stigmasterol against ketamine-induced mice model of psychosis. METHODS: The behavioural studies included an assessment of locomotor activity, stereotypic behaviours, immobility duration, step down latency and effects on catalepsy. Biochemical estimations involved the estimations of GABA, dopamine, GSH, MDA, TNF-α, total protein content and AChE activity. Histopathological changes and effect on androgenic parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: Stigmasterol treated animals showed significant decrease in locomotor activity, stereotypic behaviours, immobility duration and increased step down latency. Biochemical estimations revealed increased GABA, GSH levels and decreased dopamine, MDA, TNF-α levels and AChE activity. These findings were confirmed by histopathological changes in the cortex part of the brain. Further, stigmasterol was not found to cause catalepsy and any adverse effect on the reproductive system. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that stigmasterol could ameliorate ketamine-induced behavioral, biochemical and histopathological alterations in mice showing its potential effects in the management of psychotic symptoms.
BACKGROUND:Stigmasterol, a naturally occurring phytoestrogen has been reported to possess many pharmacological activities. The aim of the present study was to screen the effect of stigmasterol against ketamine-induced mice model of psychosis. METHODS: The behavioural studies included an assessment of locomotor activity, stereotypic behaviours, immobility duration, step down latency and effects on catalepsy. Biochemical estimations involved the estimations of GABA, dopamine, GSH, MDA, TNF-α, total protein content and AChE activity. Histopathological changes and effect on androgenic parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS:Stigmasterol treated animals showed significant decrease in locomotor activity, stereotypic behaviours, immobility duration and increased step down latency. Biochemical estimations revealed increased GABA, GSH levels and decreased dopamine, MDA, TNF-α levels and AChE activity. These findings were confirmed by histopathological changes in the cortex part of the brain. Further, stigmasterol was not found to cause catalepsy and any adverse effect on the reproductive system. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that stigmasterol could ameliorate ketamine-induced behavioral, biochemical and histopathological alterations in mice showing its potential effects in the management of psychotic symptoms.