Comparative Effects of Paroxatine and Clomipramine on Locomotor Behaviour in Mice

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: The present study investigates behavioral parallels between stress-induced mice and stressinduced mice that are treated with antidepressants (paroxatine and clomipramine). This is to determine the effect of
these drugs on the locomotor behaviours of mice exposed to stress. METHOD: Twenty eight (28) Swiss Mice were
divided randomly into four groups of 6 in each group; i.e. group one (control), group two (stressed), group three
(stressed and then treated with paroxatine) and group four (stressed and then treated with clomipramine). Mice in all
the groups were given normal rat chew and water throughout period of experiment. The four groups were then
subjected to tests in both open field and elevated-plus maze apparatus. Open field apparatus and elevated-plus maze
test were the method used to determine locomotor behaviour. These were determined in the frequency of line
crossing, centre-square entry, centre-square duration in the open field apparatus, and open arm entry frequency and
duration. RESULTS: Mice that were stressed without treatment with antidepressant had reduced locomotor activity
when compared with Mice in control group. The stressed groups treated with paroxatine and clomipramine showed
significant increase in locomotor activity(P < 0.05) compared to the stressed non-treated group. The stress group
treated with paroxatine had significant improved locomotor activitywhen compared to the stressed group treated
with clomipramine (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Paroxatine and clomipramine administration result in significant
improved locomotor activity in stressed mice. Paroxatine however caused a more significant improvement
inlocomotor activity than clomipramine in mice recovering from stress when the two agents were compared.