Selective inhibition of MAO-A activity results in an antidepressant-like action of 2-benzoyl 4-iodoselenophene in mice

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible antidepressant-like activity of 2-benzoyl-4-iodoselenophene (C17H11IOSe), a selenophene compound, in two well-consolidated behavioral assays for screening antidepressant activity (forced swimming test and tail suspension test) in mice. In order to investigate the mechanism of action of C17H11IOSe, it was investigated the activities of cerebral enzymes: monoamine oxidase MAO A and B and Na+, K+ ATPase, and if an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) (100 mg/kg) blocks the antidepressant-like effect of C17H11IOSe. Swiss mice received (C17H11IOSe) (5-50 mg/kg) or canola oil by the intragastric (i.g.) route before behavioral tests. The results showed that C17H11IOSe at dose range of 5-50 mg/kg decreased immobility time in the tail suspension test. In the forced swimming test, C17H11IOSe reduced the immobility time at the doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg. C17H11IOSe differently affected the cerebral cortical Na+, K+ ATPase; the effects on this enzyme were dependent of the dose tested. At a dose of 10 mg/kg, the compound increased Na+, K+ ATPase activity, while the activity was inhibited at a dose of 50 mg/kg. pCPA blocked the antidepressant-like action of C17H11IOSe in mice. Therefore, C17H11IOSe (5-50 mg/kg) selectively inhibited MAO-A activity in cerebral cortices of mice. The modulation of serotonergic system contributed to the antidepressant-like action of C17H11IOSe in mice.