The effect of bupropion augmentation of minocycline in the treatment of depression

The aim of the current study was to analyse the augmentation of minocycline with bupropion in treating depression. 'Saline' (10 ml/kg), 'minocycline per se' (25 mg/kg), 'minocycline per se' (50 mg/kg), 'bupropion per se' (5 mg/kg), 'bupropion per se' (10 mg/kg) and 'bupropion + minocycline' (5 mg/kg + 25 mg/kg each) were administered to mice via the intraperitoneal route. In the forced swim and tail suspension test, the immobility period was analysed after 30 min of the treatment. Monoamines like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin levels were analysed in brain areas such as the whole brain, hippocampus and cerebral cortex using an HPLC-fluorescence detector. Euthanasia of mice was performed 1 h after treatment. Comparison between the control group and combination therapy and other standard drug groups showed a significant decrease in immobility in both antidepressant animal models. The combination of bupropion and minocycline showed greater benefits with respect to a reduction in the immobility time period and enhancement of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and the whole brain when compared to the monotherapy treated groups. Hence, the side effects may be reduced drastically through this combination by a reduction in the bupropion/minocycline dosage.