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L-Arginine abolishes the anxiolytic-like effect of withaferin A in the elevated plus-maze test in rats
Published in Academic Journals
2011
Volume: 5
   
Issue: 2
Pages: 234 - 237
Abstract
The involvement of nitrergic mechanisms in the behavioural effects of withaferin A in rats was studied in the elevated plus-maze, open-field and rotarod tests. Administration of the nitric oxide (NO) precursor L-arginine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), assumed to increase the synthesis of NO, abolished the anxiolytic-like effect of withaferin A (40 mg/kg, i.p.) in the elevated plus-maze, whereas the inactive enantiomer D-arginine (100 mg/kg) did not. Neither withaferin A alone nor in combination with L- or Darginine affected the exploratory activity of animals in the open field. Pretreatment with L-arginine (100 and 200 mg/kg) did not modify the motor impairment of rats after withaferin A (40 mg/kg) in the rotarod test. Withaferin A (40 mg/kg i.p.) did inhibit the brain NO synthase activity measured ex vivo by NOx assay. We conclude that a suppression of NO synthase activity may be important in the anxiolytic-like effect of withaferin A. © 2011 Academic Journals.
About the journal
JournalAfrican Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
PublisherAcademic Journals
ISSN19960816
Open AccessYes