Protective Effect of Agomelatine on Traumatic Brain Injury Induced Cognitive Deficit in Rats: Possible Role of Neurotransmitters

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults worldwide. These patients often have short and long term cognitive, behavioral and emotional impairments. The 5-HT2C and melatonin receptors are known to have involvement in memory functions. The aim of the present study is to find the beneficial effect of agomelatine (selective 5HT2C antagonist and melatonin receptor agonist) against weight drop induced traumatic brain injury in rats. The weight-drop model closely mimics the real life TBI. Injury was induced by dropping a weight of 450 gm from a height of 1 meter through a hollow metallic tube onto the exposed skull of rats under anesthesia. After 14 days of TBI the agomelatine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg p.o. daily) treatment was given for next 14 days (i.e. till 28 th