Abstract
Depression is a well-defined illness that afflicts a large population worldwide. Various biochemical theories have been described; however, the pathophysiology of depression is still poorly understood. The present study explores the role of a natural flavonoid, quercetin, in the forced swimming model of depression and its interaction with presynaptic α2 adrenoceptors. Quercetin induced a significant behavioral despair, which was abrogated with pretreatment with yohimbine, an α2 adrenoceptor antagonist, and imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. The results of the study support the contention that quercetin utilizes presynaptic α2 adrenoceptors in eliciting its depressant activity in mice.
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