The effect of isatin, a putative endogenous anxiogenic, on rat brain serotonin metabolism: A dose-response study

Abstract

Isatin (indole -2,3-dione) is a putative anxiogenic substance which occurs endogenously. Raised levels of isatin have been observed in anxiety states and after experimental stress in animals. Both stress and anxiety have been associated with raised serotonin levels in rat brain. The effect of 20, 40 or 80 mg kg-1 isatin on hypothalamic serotonin and 5-hydroxy indoleacetic acid levels was investigated 1 and 3 h after acute intraperitoneal injections in male Strague-Dawley rats. The only statistical significant change in 5HT or 5HIAA occurred l h after the 80 mg kg-1 dose when 5HT levels were increased. The ratio 5HIAA/5HT showed a statistically significant dose dependent decline l h after all..