Neuroprotective effect of pterostilbene on ketamine induced schizophrenia in mice

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pterostilbene on the behavior of mice and oxidative stress under the influence of Ketamine induced schizophrenia model. Methods: Schizophrenia was induced in mice by ketamine (50mg/kg/day, i.p, for 14 days). The treatment effect of pterostilbene (10 and 20 mg/kg/day, p.o, for 14 days) were verified on Actophotometer, Y-maze, Forced swim test (FST), open field apparatus, acetylcholinesterase activity and anti oxidant stress-related biomarker (Catalase, GSH, TBARS, SOD) levels in brain tissues. Results: Pterostilbene decreased TBARS, AChE and increased SOD, CAT, GSH levels in mice brain when compared with control group. It also improved spatial recognition memory, decreased mobility time, decreased exploratory behaviour and locomotor activity as evident by improved performance in Y-Maze task, Forced swim test, Open field test and Locomotor activity test. Conclusion: Pterostilbene has a neuroprotective role related atleast in part to an antioxidant mechanism and Anti AChE activity, which could be explored as more effective therapies of schizophrenia and other psychiatric diseases.