Evaluation of anxiolytic effect of pantoprazole on Swiss albino mice

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders and they affect over 7% of the global population. It substantially compromises daily life, productivity, and social functioning. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines provide only limited relief and are often burdened by side effects including sedation, sexual dysfunction, and dependence. This has created a crucial need for safer therapeutic alternatives. Among the commonly used proton pump inhibitors- pantoprazole has demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies. These outcomes raise the possibility that pantoprazole may also exert anxiolytic effects, which have not yet been explored.

Methods: Thirty female Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups, each consisting of 6 animals. The groups were- control (saline), standard (diazepam 5 mg/kg i.p.), and pantoprazole-treated groups (10, 15, 20 mg/kg orally). Drugs were administered daily for 14 days. Mice were assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Actophotometer on the 1^st and 15^th day to determine whether pantoprazole produced anxiolytic effects with acute and chronic dosing.

Results: Pantoprazole treatment at 20 mg/kg dose significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior. Mice that were treated with pantoprazole spent more time in the open arms of the EPM compared to the control group. The 20 mg/kg of pantoprazole group produced an effect (p<0.001) which was comparable to diazepam’s anxiolysis. Locomotor activity remained unchanged across pantoprazole groups, indicating that its anxiolytic effect was not confounded by sedation.

Conclusions: This experimental study provides the first evidence that pantoprazole at 20 mg/kg dose, exerts significant anxiolytic effects in Swiss albino mice. There were no changes in locomotor activity by the pantoprazole group, signifying no sedative side effects. These results showcase pantoprazole’s possible utility as a novel or an adjunctive therapeutic agent for anxiety disorders. Although further studies on mechanisms of action and clinical trials are required, these findings open an avenue for repurposing a well-tolerated drug in the management of anxiety.