Ascorbic Acid: A Prophylaxis Drug Therapy for Depression in Female Dam Rats
Himesh Soni *
D.H.S. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Richa Swarnkar
R.K. Pharmacy College, Sathiaon, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Jitender K. Malik
R.K. Pharmacy College, Sathiaon, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ascorbic acid is extremely concentrated in the brain, being considered as a neuro-modulator. This vitamin possesses antioxidant properties due to its action either as an electron donor or as broad-spectrum radical scavenge. Maternal separation is used in a large number of studies on anti-depression. The present study demonstrates the long-term effect of ascorbic acid (10 mg/kg p.o) on maternal separation (MS) by isolation stress on the emotionality behaviour of female dam rats. The assessment of the 5-HT level in brain was analysed by HPLC, which revealed increased level of 5-HT when compared with control. Locomotor activity and FST showed that there were increased in % swimming & % climbing. Therefore, present finding relevance of ascorbic acid for the treatment of depression and as a co-adjuvant treatment with antidepressants.
Keywords: Ascorbic acid, MS, FST, serotonin (5-HT).