2-Phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran attenuates depressive-like behavior and memory deficits induced by subchronic glucocorticoid exposure in female Swiss mice: role of redox and neurochemical mechanisms

Preclinical studies are valuable tools for screening new drugs, and reports suggest that the administration of glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone (DEX), can induce neurochemical and behavioral changes linked to depression and memory deficits. The organoselenium compound 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran (SeBZF1) has demonstrated antidepressant-like effects and protection against memory impairments in previous studies. The present study investigated the impact of repeated SeBZF1 administration on a subchronic DEX administration protocol in female Swiss mice. The animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of DEX (2 mg/kg) or its vehicle for 21 days. In the last 7 days of the protocol, the compound SeBZF1 (1 or 5 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered intragastrically. The 1st set revealed that SeBZF1 attenuated the increase in immobility time in the tail suspension test and the memory decline in the Y-maze test induced by DEX. The 2nd set confirmed the actions of SeBZF1 by the forced swimming test and through the object recognition test. Furthermore, SeBZF1 reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels induced by DEX administration in the prefrontal cortex and reduced ROS levels in the hippocampus. In addition, treatment with the compound modulated the monoamine oxidase A activity in the hypothalamus and acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampus. In summary, the present study elucidates the promising action of repeated SeBZF1 treatment in an experimental model of subchronic DEX administration in female Swiss mice.