Abstract:
To analyze the role of calcium in anxiety and its effect on anxiolytic activity
of diazepam and verapamil.
Materials and Methods: Study was conducted using female albino rats in light and dark
arena; a nonconflicting animal experimental model for anxiety. Animals were divided
into six groups with six animals in each group. Test drugs, calcium gluconate (10 mg/kg),
diazepam (1 mg/kg), verapamil (5 mg/kg), calcium + diazepam, and calcium + verapamil
were administered intraperitoneally. Percentage of time spent in light arena and number
of entries into light arena were the two parameters observed for 5 min after 30 min of
drug administration. ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Compared to the control group, diazepam group, and calcium group, only
calcium + diazepam group showed considerable increase in mean percentage of time
spent in light arena. However, this increase was statistically insignificant. In the case of
total number of entries into light arena, animals in calcium + diazepam group showed
statistically significant increase in total number of entries into light arena when compared
to calcium group and diazepam group.
Conclusion: Results of the study suggest that calcium may enhance the anxiolytic activity
of diazepam, but has no effect on anxiolytic activity of verapamil.
