Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pharmacology

This study is an experimental comparative study of the anxiolytic effect of vitamin C (low dose 100mg/kg and high dose 200mg/kg) and buspirone (10mg/kg) in rats. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (2mg/g) was used to induce anxiety. 56 healthy adult male albino rats weighing 200-250 gm were used and divided into 7 groups (8 rats each). Group I: (negative control group): animals were provided with normal saline. Group II: (Monosodium glutamate group). Group III: (vitamin C low dose+MSG). Group IV: (vitamin C high dose+MSG). Group V: (Buspirone+MSG). Group VI: (vitamin C low dose+Buspirone+MSG). Group VII: (vitamin C high dose+ buspirone+MSG). After 3 weeks, the open field and successive alleys tests were used to assess the behavioral changes. Percentage change of systolic blood pressure was measured. Also, glutathione reductase, malondialdehyde and corticosterone levels were determined. MSG group showed significant anxiogenic effects in both tests, increased percentage change of systolic blood pressure, increased malondialdehyde and high corticosterone level. Vitamin C low dose group showed significant improvement in the anxiety level in the open field test with no significant changes in the oxidative state and corticosterone level. However, vitamin C high dose group showed significant anxiolytic effect in both tests, improved oxidative state and low corticosterone level. Administration of buspirone showed significant anxiolytic effect which is lower than that of vitamin C high dose. Also, it caused significant increase in the oxidative stress and corticosterone level. Combination of buspirone with vitamin C (high dose only) showed significant anxiolytic effect in both tests and decreased level of corticosterone. Use of vitamin C in both doses and buspirone (each one alone and in combination) significantly decreased the percentage change of blood pressure

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