TO STUDY THE ANTIDEPRESSANT EFFECT OF DOXAZOSIN BY AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL IN SWISS ALBINO MICE.

Introduction: Doxazosin is an alpha-1 antagonist used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms and hypertension. An α (1)-adrenergic receptor antagonist called Doxazosin is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and excessive blood pressure. There is evidence linking peripheral α-adrenergic receptors to inflammation. Aim and Objective: To study the antidepressant effect of Doxazosin by an experimental model in swiss albino mice. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. The present study was designed to evaluate antidepressant in an experimental model in Swiss albino mice. A total number of 18 female Swiss albino mice were included in the study. They were kept in the institutional animal house under standard conditions. They received normal pellet diet and water ad libitum. They were allowed to get acclimatized to the new environment for a period of 2 weeks. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, each group containing 6 mice. Results: In the present study antidepressant activity was observed by the period of immobility in Forced swim test. Each activity was conducted on 18 mice, 6 mice in each group (Group A: Vehicle, Group B: Doxazosin, Group C: Imipramine). Therefore on Day 1, period of immobility of mice in the above 3 groups was found to be comparable. On Day 11, period of immobility of mice in the above 3 groups was found to be comparable again. It was observed that there was a slight decrease in period of immobility indicating that Doxazosin (4 mg/kg) may have some weak antidepressant activity at Day 21. Decreasing period of immobility significantly more than control indicating that Doxazosin (4 mg/kg) may have moderate antidepressant activity at Day 31. Conclusion: Doxazosin (4 mg/kg) appeared to be a promising therapy option for patients presenting with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]