Ethanolic Extract Attenuated Reserpine-Induced Depression-Like Condition and Associated Hippocampal Aberrations in Experimental Wistar Rats.

Background: Repeated and regimented treatment with reserpine causes depression-like condition characterized by persistent mood disorder, feelings of severe despondency and dejection, thus altering the hippocampal morphology. Our study compared a well-known antidepressant (fluoxetine), with the potential of to ameliorate reserpine-induced depression and the associated hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) neuronal cell damage.

Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats, weighing 130-160 g, were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=8), housed in plastic cages under natural light and dark cycles at room temperature with access to feed and water .