The behavioral study of the effects of atristamine on the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems in mice

Abstract

The present work reports the behavioural study of the effects on the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems of 2-methyl-3-(phenylaminomethyl)-1H-quinolin-4-one (atristamine), a novel promising substance that exhibits excellent antidepressant effect combining with additional valuable neurotropic properties. The results indicate that the acute administration of atristamine increases the responsiveness of the adrenergic system. It has been proven by enhancement of clonidine-induced aggressive behaviour and attenuation of clonidine-induced depression in mice. It has been shown that atristamine attenuates haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice, but this effect does not associate with MAO and COMT inhibition. A mild modulating effect of atristamine on the serotonin neurotransmitter system was discovered using 5-HTP induced head-twitch response in mice. It has been concluded that the antidepressant effect of atristamine may be explained predominantly by its complicated influence on the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems.