Antidepressant-like effect of the novel MAO inhibitor 2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (2-DMPI) in mice

► The 2-DMPI agent was demonstrated to be a mixed, reversible and preferential MAO-A inhibitor in the brain of mice. ► The 2-DMPI agent presented an antidepressant-like effect without disrupting motor performance. ► The 2-DMPI agent decreased serotonin and dopamine turnover in certain brain regions. ► The antidepressant-like effect of 2-DMPI is modulated by serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.