The present study investigated the
antidepressant-like
potential
of a functionalized 3-selanyl benzo[b]furan (SeBZF)
in male Swiss mice. To evaluate possible antidepressant-like actions,
the compounds SeBZF1–5 (50 mg/kg, intragastric,
i.g., route) were acutely screened in the tail suspension tests (TSTs).
The compound 3-((4-methoxyphenyl)selanyl)-2-phenylbenzofuran (SeBZF3) was then selected. Dose–response and time–response
curves revealed that SeBFZ3 exerts antidepressant-like
effects in the TST (5–50 mg/kg) and forced swimming test (FST;
50 mg/kg). Additional tests demonstrated that pretreatment with receptor
antagonists WAY100635 (5-HT1A; 0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneous
route), ketanserin (5-HT2A/C; 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal,
i.p.), or ondansetron (5-HT3; 1 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the
SeBZF3 antidepressant-like effects (50 mg/kg) in the
TST. In addition, the coadministration of subeffective doses of SeBZF3 (1 mg/kg, i.g.) and fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor; 5 mg/kg, i.p.) produced synergistic action. A high dose
of SeBZF3 (300 mg/kg) did not produce oral acute toxicity.
The present results provide evidence for the antidepressant-like action
of SeBZF3 and its relative safety, as well as predict
the possible interactions with the serotonergic system, aiding in
the development of novel options to alleviate psychiatric disabilities.
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