Modulation of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission and Motor Function by Aqueous Extract of Curcuma longa in Haloperidol Induced Catatonia in Mice.

Himalni P; A.C.Jesudoss Prabhakaran; K Ravichandran

Volume : VIII, Issue : VII, July - 2019

Modulation of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission and Motor Function by Aqueous Extract of Curcuma longa in Haloperidol Induced Catatonia in Mice.

Himalni P, A. C. Jesudoss Prabhakaran, K Ravichandran

Abstract :

OBJECTIVE: The present study was attempted to evaluate the protective effect of Curcuma longa on dopaminergic neurotransmission and motor function in haloperidol induced catatonia in mice. METHODS: Rigidity and dyskinesia are the common symptoms of Parkinson�s disease and the most prevalent adverse extrapyramidal signs during the course of drug therapy associated with significant morbidity, economic and social burden. So the search for better agents in the place of conventional drugs continues. Catatonia induced by these drugs in animals has been used as a model for the extrapyramidal side effects associated with antipsychotic agents in human beings. Mice were allocated to 5 groups, each group containing 6 animals. The 1st group of 6 mice was treated with vehicle and rest of the groups was treated with haloperidol. The 3rd, 4th and 5th groups of mice were pretreated with the aqueous extract of Curcuma longa 50mg, 100mg and 200mg/kg of body weight respectively. The locomotor activity (LMA) and catatonia scoring of all animals were measured by using actophotometer and Morpurgo scoring method respectively on 8th and 15th day. RESULTS: The effect of aqueous extract of Curcuma longa on haloperidol induced catatonia tested by LMA and Morpurgo scoring showed the reduction in latency by increase in LMA after 4 hours on 15th day and reduction in rigidity by reduction in Morpurgo scoring after 4 hours on 15th day. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that aqueous extract of Curcuma longa has a protective effect against haloperidol–induced catatonia, indicating that it could be used as an adjuvant to prevent drug–induced extrapyramidal side effects.