Neuroleptic Properties of RG-Tannin in Mice and Rats

S tarec M., 1. Rosina. R. Sovj ak. D, Waitzova: Neuroleptic Properties of RG-tannin in Mice and Rats. Acta vet. Brno, 1996,65: 209-212, The purpose of the study was to examine the effect ofRG-tannin, a new substance of plant origin (purified from rhizoma of Rhea raponticum) with assumed antipsychotic properties in two phannacodynamic tests: 1/ in yawning behaviour induced with apomorphine or physostigmine in rats as an indicator of central antidopaminergic effects (in the case of apomorphine) and central anticholinergic effects (in the case of physostigmine), 21 in Porsolt forced swimming test in mice (this test is sensitive to drugs activating or inhibiting central noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms). RG-tannin in the dose of 50 mg.kg-I (but not 25 mg.kg-I) inhibited significantly yawning induced with apomorphine (0.1 mg.kg-I), but failed to decrease yawning to a significant extent in rats treated with phrsostigmine (0.075 mg.kg-I). RG-tannin given intraperitoneally in mice in the dose of25 mg.kg- and 50 mg.kg-I body weight increased statistically significantly the time of immobility in forced swimming test in comparison with mice treated only with saline. All these findings indicate that RG-tannin has interesting neuroleptic properties, which could be useful also in veterinary medicine.