ABSTRACT
Background: In spite of availability of effective antidepressant drugs, depression continues to be a major problem. Hence, great interest is being taken in development of innovative antidepressants. Tramadol (TRM) is a centrally acting opioid agonist, which is clinically effective in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. By virtue of its action of inhibiting norepinephrine and serotonin uptake, it can function as an antidepressant like venlafaxine. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate antidepressant activity of TRM in comparison and in combination with fluoxetine (FLX) in albino mice. Methods: TRM (20 and 40 mg) and FLX (20 mg) were administered i.p., alone and in combination once daily for acute (7 days) and chronic (14 days) period to Swiss albino mice of either sex. The immobility period of control and treated mice was recorded in forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The open field test was also done for same period to test the locomotor activity in animal. The antidepressant effect of TRM was compared with FLX and normal saline treated group for acute and chronic study period. Results: TRM (20 and 40 mg) treated group produced significant antidepressant effect alone and in combination with FLX (20 and 40 mg) as indicated by reduction in immobility period compared with control group in FST and TST. TRM and FLX treated groups did not show significant activity in open field test when compared with control group. Conclusions: This study shows TRM has antidepressant activity in standard models of depression.
ABSTRACT
Background: Snake bite is a common medical emergency and an occupational hazard in India. It is also a major public health issue in rural India where farming is a major source of employment. Very few studies describe epidemiology of snake bite from India. Hence, this study was planned to collect information on various aspects of snake bite in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study of 167 patients of snake bite and unknown bite carried out from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2013. Results: Among a total 167 cases, majority were males (54.49%), aged between 20 and 40 years (38.92%). Most of the cases were laborers (61.67%) and farmers (17.36%). Peak incidence was observed during monsoon (64.67%). Bite mark was seen in 46.70% cases, upper extremity being common site (52.09%). Most cases were of vasculotoxic bite (65.26%) and few were of neurotoxic bite (19.76%). Major complications were respiratory failure (4.79%) and acute renal failure (1.8%). Average bite to needle time was 365 min. Bleeding & clotting time was raised in 44.03% & 35.19% cases, respectively. Average dose of anti-snake venom (ASV) required was 17.1 vials. Allergic reactions to ASV observed in 8.38% cases. Mean duration of hospital stay was 4.3 days. Recovery rate was 94.01% with three cases referred to higher center. Mortality rate was 2.39%. Conclusions: Our study highlights various aspect of snake bite cases and tries to fi nd out ways to improve quality of life of patients, decrease mortality and morbidity and decrease economic burden on society.