Effects of Icariin on MK-801-induced Schizophrenia Model in Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of icariin, a major active component of traditional Chinese herb Epimedium on schizo-phrenia animal model. Methods MK-801, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, was intraperitoneally injected into mice to establish a schizophrenia animal model. The open field behavior test infrared detection system was used to measure the mobility of mice in order to find the best optimal dose. 40 mice were randomly divided in to control group, model group, risperidone group and icariin group with 10 mice in each group. The risperidone group and the icariin group were given 0.1 mg/kg risperidone and 50 mg/kg icariin respectively. All groups were injected with 0.6 mg/kg MK-801 0.1 ml intraperitoneally, except the control group. The total distance and the central dis-tance within 210 minutes were tested. Results The total distance and the central distance were significantly longer in the model group than in the control group (P0.05). Conclusion Icariin may improve the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia mice, which may be beneficial to schizo-phrenia therapy.