Objective: For the purpose of estimation neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects of the endogenous amines 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) and its close methyl derivative, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ) in the animal model of depressive disorder induced by repeated administration of a low dose of reserpine (0.2 mg/kg) in the rats.

Background: Animal models are widely used to study antidepressant-like effect in rodents. Reserpine is a vesicular monoamine re-uptake blocker, which depletes monoamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin) in the brain, and produces depression-like syndrome in animals. It seems to be an ideal model to screen the potential antidepressants. In the present study we examined antidepressant-like activity of the investigated endogenous amines: TIQ and 1MeTIQ.

Methods: We used the behavioral forced swim test (FST) in male Wistar rats (Charles River) to examine the antidepressant properties of TIQ and 1MeTIQ. In the second part of the study in addition to the behavioral tests we carried out also the neurochemical ex vivo and in vivo (microdialysis) studies in the rat brain structures using HPLC with ED.

Results: We demonstrated that repeated but not acute treatment with a low dose of reserpine led to a pharmacological model of depression which was based on the significant depression of the level of monoamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin) in rat brain structures. In fact, biochemical data were in agreement with the behavioral experiments which demonstrated that chronic reserpine produced a distinct depressive-like behavior in the FST. Both compounds TIQ and 1MeTIQ administered chronically in dose 25 mg/kg (i.p.) together with reserpine completely antagonized reserpine-produced depression in FST and in the level of monoamines in the brain structures.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that both investigated compounds: TIQ and 1MeTIQ used in the reserpine model of depression elicited the antidepressant-like activity and in the biochemical studies showed the antagonism to toxic effects of reserpine. These compounds raise hope for their application in clinic in the case of depression and Parkinson’s disease.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/neuroprotective-and-antidepressant-like-effects-of-the-endogenous-amines-from-tetrahydroisoquinoline-group-tiq-and-1metiq-in-the-animal-model-of-depressive-disorder-behavioral-and-neurochemical-studi/