International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-7802112016092817371737ENDepartment of Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, IndiaDepartment of Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India20160928<p><strong>Background:</strong> The objective of this study is to develop a new animal model based on signaling<br />pathways to understand the pathophysiology, therapy of depression, and to investigate the<br />antidepressant activity of Enicostemma littorale which is not yet established.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Animal models of depression were raised by physical methods and administration of<br />methyl isobutyl ketone (100 mg/kg b.w., i.p.,) and a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, sodium<br />orthovanadate (30 mg/kg b.w., i.p.,) to young Wistar rats. E. littorale aqueous extract (100 mg/kg<br />b.w., oral) was administered. Forced swimming test (FST), biochemical, and histopathological<br />parameters were performed with reference to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg b.w., oral) treatment.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> High‑performance thin‑layer chromatography confirmed the presence of swertiamarin,<br />a unique glycoside present in the Gentianaceae family. FST indicated high rates of immobility in<br />depressed groups and low rates in plant extract‑administered group with reference to fluoxetine.<br />Biochemical assays indicated significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased levels of total protein, superoxide<br />dismutase, triglycerides, and total serum cholesterol, whereas significant reduction (P &lt; 0.05)<br />of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation in plant extract‑administered groups in<br />comparison to the depressed groups. Histopathological analysis indicated disorganized neuronal<br />architecture during depression whereas rejuvenation of neuronal patterns was observed during<br />treatment with plant extract and fluoxetine.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study shows that sodium orthovanadate induces depression in animals and<br />also establishes the antidepressant activity of E. littorale.</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Depression, Enicostemma littorale Blume, sodium orthovanadate</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/1737http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/1737/2027