Abstract

GEMIFLOXACIN: ANXIOGENIC ACTIVITY IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Seema Rai*, Nishchal B S, Raghu M N, Prathibha Kumari V, Tara V Shanbhag, M. R. S. M Pai

ABSTRACT

Gemifloxacin is a potent, novel fluoroquinolone (FQ) with broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity used for the treatment of various infections. FQs produce clinically significant excitatory side effects on the central nervous system. Previous studies have demonstrated anxiogenic effect of some of the FQs in rodents. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiogenic effect of gemifloxacin in wistar albino rats. Four groups of rats in each model (n=6) were treated orally with 10 mL distilled water, 36 mg/kg of moxifloxacin, 50 and 100mg/kg of gemifloxacin respectively. Two pharmacologically validated models - elevated plus maze and open field test were used. Results were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test. Statistically significant anxiogenic effect was seen with gemifloxacin at 100 mg/kg in both models. It significantly increased (p<0.05) the time spent in closed arm, decreased (p<0.05) the entries into open arm in elevated plus maze model compared to control. In open field test, the time spent and squares crossed in central chambers were decreased (p<0.05) compared to control. The present study demonstrates the anxiogenic activity of gemifloxacin in wistar albino rats.

Keywords: Anxiogenic, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, elevated plus maze, open field test.