A NOVEL NON–RECEPTOR AND NON- GABAERGIC ANTIANXIETY-LIKE ACTIVITY OF FORSKOLIN: SYNERGY WITH DIAZEPAM
Keywords:
cAMP, Anxiety, Forskolin, StressAbstract
Objective: Clinical problems associated with the benzodiazepines like dependence, withdrawal or tolerance may lead to under use of substances based on gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Non-GABAergic and substances that elevate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) have shown anti-anxiety activity. Therefore, present investigation aimed to explore a non-GABAergic mechanism and non-receptor mediated anti-anxiety activity of a cAMP elevating agent, forskolin.
Methods: Elevated plus maze and light/dark box were employed to measure effect of forskolin on anxiety and the noted activity was compared with that of diazepam. cAMP levels were also measured in plasma of mice.
Results: Forskolin produced a significant antianxiety- like activity in unstressed mice and stressed mice. Diazepam produced a significant antianxiety- like activity in unstressed mice but not in stressed mice. The noted antianxiety activity of forskolin was accompanied by a significant elevation of cAMP levels.
Conclusions: The present findings contribute to suggest a non– receptor mediated anti-anxiety action of a forskolin, acting through cAMP elevation, thus avoiding receptor-mediated adverse effect profile of the conventional anxiolytics.
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