The assessment of effectiveness of a novel antidepressant, Agomelatine on anxiety and depression induced by fluoride intoxication by means of Open-Field and Hot-Plate tests in mouse model (BalB-C)

Abstract

It is well known that fluoride (F) poisoning causes anxiety and depression, and Agomelatine, an analogue of melatonin, has been reported to be effective on anxiety and depression. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the short-term efficacy of Agomelatine application on anxiety and depression caused by F intoxication via Open-Field and Hot-Plate tests. 40 male BalB-C mice, aged 5-6 months, constituted the research material for this study. Subjects randomly divided into 4 groups (Healthy-Control, Fluorosis-Control, 25 mg/kg Agomelatine, 50 mg/kg Agomelatine). Healthy-Control group (HC) received tap water, containing 0.3 ± 0.05 mgF/L. Fluorosis-Control group (FC) received drinking water containing 40 mgF/L. Other two experimental groups (25 and 50) received drinking water containing 40 mgF/L and single dose Agomelatine (25 and 50 mg/kg respectively). The effect of Agomelatine on anxiety and depression induced by high dose F was evaluated using Open-Field and Hot-Plate tests compared to control groups. Fluorosis caused to decrease in Rearing, Grooming and Square numbers of Open-Field test and to increase Defecation counts (P<0.05). Agomelatine applications enabled the mentioned Open-Field findings to return to healthy control data. According to the hot-plate findings, low reaction time caused by fluorosis increased again in Agomelatine groups (P<0.05). According to these results, with the administration of Agomelatine, psychological improvement was observed in the subjects with fluorosis compared to the control group. Consequently, according to Open-Field and Hot-Plate tests findings, it could be concluded that Agomelatine has a curative effect on anxiety and depression induced by F toxicity.