EFFECTS OF MOCLOBEMIDE ON FORCED-SWIMMING STRESS AND BRAIN MONOAMINE LEVELS IN MICE

Moclobemide [Ro 11-1163, p-chloro-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)benzamide, AURO RIX] is known as an antidepressant and a reversible inhibitor of type A monoamine oxidase. In the present study, a forced swimming test was applied to mice to evaluate behavioral and neurochemical effects of th is drug. During forced swimming posture of immobility, a typical behav ioral change, was observed, and biochemical analysis of the brain reve aled significant changes in the monoamine levels. The norepinephrine c oncentration was reduced, while that of its product was increased, ind icating increase in norepinephrine turnover. The stress increased the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites. Moclobemide sign ificantly improved the immobility elicited by the test, and it could p revent the changes in the turnover of norepinephrine, dopamine, and se rotonin induced by the stress. These results suggest that moclobemide may improve the behavioral changes induced by the forced swimming thro ugh its effects on monoamine metabolism.