Abstract

It has been demonstrated that 5-HT1A receptors play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Because Gastrodia elata Bl (GE) modulates the serotonergic system, we examined whether GE could affect phencyclidine (PCP)-induced abnormal behavior in mice. Repeated treatment with PCP increased immobility time, while it decreased social interaction time and recognition memory. PCP-induced abnormal behaviors were significantly attenuated by GE, and these effects were comparable to those of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Furthermore, GE-mediated effects were counteracted by WAY 100635, a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that the antipsychotic effects of GE are, at least in part, mediated via activation of 5-HT1A in mice.

Keywords: Gastrodia elata Bl, phencyclidine, schizophrenia, 5-HT1A receptors, chronic, devastating, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, anti-convulsant, anti-oxidant, anti-depressant effects