Effect of total alkaloids of Equisetum pratense on contents of monoamine neurotransmitters in rat brain / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Object To reveal the mechanism of inhibitory action on the central nervous system (CNS) of total alkaloids of Equisetum pratense Ehrh. (TAEP). Methods Contents of monoamine neurotransmitters in brain of rats were determined by HPLC-EC and HPLC-UV. Results TAEP can significantly decrease the contents of monoamine neurotransmitter in the straite body and the bordering area of rat forebrain, increase the contents of neutral and acidic metabolites in the straite body, and increase the contents of 5-HIAA and HVA of the monoamines in the bordering area of rat forebrain. But its raise of DHPG showed no statistical significance. Conclusion TAEP has an evacuating action of monoamine similar to Reserpine. This may be considered as one of the mechanisms of sedative and tranquilizing effect CNS.