Studies on the potential behavioral and neurochemical effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in an experimental model of depression.

Abstract

In the present study, the antidepressant effect of EGCG 25 and 50mg/kg on induction of depression was investigated. where imipramine was used as standard antidepressant agent. Depression was induced by intraperitoneal injection of clonidine to male albino rats at a dose 0.8mg/kg once daily for 7 consecutive days. I-Three experiments of behavioral assessments with different degrees of stressfulness were selected to formulate an integrative testing battery. The chosen battery of tests allow to measure the most behavioral responses to the mentioned drugs. This battery included the following experiments which were performed according to certain order depending on their level of stressfulness: A. Open field test (mild stressful condition), in which latency time, ambulation frequency, defecation and rearing frequency were measured. B. Forced swimming test: (hopelessness and despair behavior), in which immobility, swimming and climbing scores were measured. C. Foot shock-induced aggression (model of defensive aggression rat vs rat), in which Latency to fight, jumping frequency and rearing frequency were measured. II- Brains of rats not exposed to electricity were removed to determine monoamine levels using HPLC, for histopathological examination and for