Anxiolytic-like effect of succinic acid in mice.

Si Wei Chen, Qin Xin, Wei Xi Kong, Li Min, Jing Fang Li

Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 41, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China. c100sw@yahoo.com.cn

Life sciences 2003 Nov 7

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The putative anxiolytic activity of succinic acid was examined in male mice by using a number of experimental paradigms of anxiety and compared with that of the known anxiolytic compound diazepam. Use of the elevated plus-maze test revealed that diazepam (1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg, PO) or succinic acid (3.0 or 6.0 mg/kg, PO) increased the percentage of entries into open arms and of time spent on open arms. In novel food consumption test, succinic acid (3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 mg/kg, IP) caused significant increases in food intake during 5 min when compared with the vehicle. In the stress-induced hyperthermia test, 40 min after drug administration rectal temperature was measured, succinic acid at dose of 1.5 mg/kg, inhibited stress-induced hyperthermia. Thus, these findings indicated that, in contrast with diazepam, succinic acid exhibits anxiolytic-like effect.