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Morin Pretreatment Attenuates Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors in Experimental Animal Models
Benneth Ben-Azu1, Adegbuyi Oladele Aderibigbe1, Itivere Adrian Omogbiya1,2
1Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Objectives:
Morin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that flavones modulate neurotransmission through enhancement of gamma amino butyric acid activity in the central nervous system; which led to the hypothesis that they could exert tranquilizing effects in rodents. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the antipsychotic effect of morin on experimental animal models.
Methods:
The antipsychotic effect of morin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) was assessed on novelty-induced locomotion, apomorphine-induced stereotypy, ketamine-induced stereotypy, ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion and ketamine-enhanced immobility in forced swim test (FST). Catalepsy and rota rod tests were also carried out to evaluate the extrapyramidal side effects of morin.
Results:
Morin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatments significantly (p<0.05) demonstrated anti-schizophrenia-like behavior by inhibiting ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion in mice. Moreover, morin (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p<0.05) reduced spontaneous locomotor activity. Also, morin suppressed apomorphine-induced stereotypy and ketamine-induced stereotypy. The increase in immobility in FST due to ketamine administration was reduced by morin in a significant dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the antipsychotic activity of morin was not associated with extrapyramidal side effects, as evidenced by decreased decent latency and increased motoric coordination and performance in mice.
Conclusion:
The results of the study revealed that morin demonstrated antipsychotic-like property devoid of extrapyramidal side effects in experimental animal models and may be beneficial in the treatment of schizophrenia-like behaviors; particularly in patients with behavioral hyperactivity and negative symptoms.
Insights
Morin, a natural flavonoid, shows antipsychotic effects in animal models by reducing schizophrenia-like behaviors. This natural compound may offer a new treatment option for schizophrenia without causing extrapyramidal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Natural Products
Background:
- Morin is a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flavones modulate neurotransmission, suggesting potential tranquilizing effects.
- This study investigates the antipsychotic potential of morin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antipsychotic effect of morin in experimental animal models.
- To assess morin's impact on various behavioral models relevant to psychosis.
- To determine if morin causes extrapyramidal side effects.
Main Methods:
- Morin (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally.
- Assessed effects on novelty-induced locomotion, apomorphine- and ketamine-induced stereotypy, and ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion.
- Evaluated catalepsy and rota rod tests for extrapyramidal side effects.
Main Results:
- Morin significantly inhibited ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion.
- Reduced spontaneous locomotor activity and suppressed apomorphine- and ketamine-induced stereotypy.
- Decreased immobility in the forced swim test and showed no extrapyramidal side effects.
Conclusions:
- Morin exhibits antipsychotic-like properties in animal models.
- The compound is devoid of extrapyramidal side effects.
- Morin may be beneficial for treating schizophrenia, especially hyperactivity and negative symptoms.
