Evaluation of effect of allopurinol and febuxostat in behavioral model of depression in mice

Objective: To evaluate the effects of allopurinol and febuxostat on depression using Forced Swim Test (FST) in mice.

Materials and methods: Allopurinol (39 mg/kg p. o) and febuxostat (15.6 mg/kg p. o) were administered once daily for 21 successive days to Swiss Albino mice. On the 21(st) day, the effect of the drug on locomotion was tested using photo-actometer followed by the recording of immobility period in the FST and the results were compared with the standard drug fluoxetine (10 mg/kg p. o).

Results: Allopurinol and febuxostat expressed significant antidepressant like effect as indicated by reduction in the immobility period of mice in the FST as compared to control group. The effects of allopurinol and febuxostat were found to be comparable to that of fluoxetine.

Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that allopurinol and febuxostat possess significant antidepressant like activity.