Abstract
Background:
The effect of folic acid in mitigating depression has remained pivotal in research interest.
Objectives:
To determine the effects of folate supplementation on neurobehaviour oxidative stress, and cerebral cortex histomorphology in the dexamethasone mouse model of depression.
Methodology:
Male mice were assigned to six groups (A-F) of 10 mice each. Animals in groups A and D were fed standard diet, B and E, folic acid supplemented diet (25 mg/kg of feed), while C and F were fed folate supplemented diet at 50 mg/kg of feed for 8 weeks. At the beginning of the sixth 6th week mice in groups A-C, were administered distilled water, while animals in groups D-F were administered dexamethasone (DEX) at 4 mg/kg body weight by gavage. Open-field, forced swim, and tail- suspension tests were conducted at the end of the experimental period, following which animals were euthanised and blood taken for the estimation of Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced Glutathione, Glutathione Peroxidase, Catalase activity, and Superoxide Dismutase. Sections of the cerebral cortex were prepared for histological examination.
Result:
Folic acid supplementation increased body weight, locomotor, rearing and self-grooming behaviours, and decreased immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swim tests. There was also reduction of lipid peroxidation and an increase in antioxidant status. Folic acid supplementation was also protective against the development dexamethasone induced changes in body weight, open-field behaviours, behavioural despair, oxidative stress and cerebrocortical morphology.
Conclusion:
Folic-acid supplementation improves the behavioral, some antioxidant, and cerebral morphological parameters.
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