Effect of cilnidipine on depression-like behaviour in male Swiss mice: A study using the tail suspension test

Objectives: The objective is to evaluate cilnidipine and compare it with fluoxetine on the depression model in male Swiss mice, utilising the tail suspension test and locomotor activity test. Materials and Methods: The animals were categorised into four groups, each consisting of six individuals ( n = 6 per group). The subjects were given the test drug doses of cilnidipine at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, as well as fluoxetine at 10 mg/kg, for a duration of 21 days through an intraperitoneal route. On days 1, 14 and 21, the locomotor activity was assessed using the actophotometer, while the antidepressant activity was assessed using the tail suspension test (TST). The duration of immobility was assessed using the total sleep time method for a 5-minute period, while the number of counts was monitored for 10 min using an actophotometer. Results: Cilnidipine at a dosage of 10 mg/kg demonstrates a reduction in symptoms of depression when compared to the standard control. Neither cilnidipine 5 mg/kg nor 10 mg/kg resulted in a noteworthy decrease in locomotor activity. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a substantial antidepressant effect of cilnidipine 10 mg/kg dosage. More research is needed to validate the results reported.