Neuroprotective Effects of Sesame Oil on Depressive-Like Behaviours in Mice Subjected to Open-Space Forced Swim Test

Abstract

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of sesame oil on depressive-like behaviours in mice subjected to the open-space forced swim test (OSFST). This study was carried out using thirty (30) adult mice; the animals were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) animals each. Group I received normal saline (10 ml/kg) only, group II received normal saline (10 ml/kg) + OSFST, group III, IV and V were subjected to OSFST and received Sesame oil (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), respectively and group VI received Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) + OSFST. All administrations were carried out through the oral route and lasted for twenty-one days. Neurobehavioural assessments were carried out at the end of the twenty-one days of the experiment. Brain tissues were collected for neurochemical determination of serotonin levels. The results showed that administration of sesame oil (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased immobility time (behavioural despair) and increased sucrose index (an indicator of anhedonia). Administration of Sesame oil (SO) improved cognitive performance compared to the normal saline (10 ml/kg) + OSFST group. Sesame oil 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased serotonin level when compared to the normal saline (10 ml/kg) + OSFST group. These findings suggest that SO may be beneficial in attenuating OSFST-induced depression and cognitive dysfunction mediated via modulation of serotonin.