Synergistic anticataleptic effect of imipramine and nicotine in a rotenone-induced rat model

Rationale Some antidepressants have been previously found to produce anti-parkinsonian effect; nicotine was known to mitigate experimental neurotoxic lesions. The anticataleptic efficacy of antidepressant-nicotine co-administration is unstudied. Objectives This work aimed to evaluate anticataleptic action of imipramine-nicotine combination in rotenone model. Methods Catalepsy was measured by the bar test. Concentrations of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine, and DOPAC were determined in the substantia nigra and dorsal striatum using ELISA and HPLC techniques; additionally, dopamine/DOPAC ratio was calculated for both areas. Results Imipramine and nicotine alone were ineffective; however, co-administration of the drugs significantly ( p