Effect of different statins in animal model of anxiety in wistar rats

Objective: Pleiotropic mechanisms of statins have been explored in treating neurological disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and depression. Hence, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of different statins in animal model of anxiety in Wistar rats. Methods: Sixty rats were divided into five groups of 6 rats each for each model. Two models were used, elevated plus maze and open-field model. Grouping is as follows: Group 1-normal control (0.9% saline), Group 2-alprazolam 0.5 mg/kg, Group 3-atorvastatin 10 mg/kg, Group 4-rosuvastatin 10 mg/kg, and Group 5-pitavastatin 10 mg/kg. All drugs were given orally for 30 days. Results: In open-field model and in elevated plus maze, alprazolam, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin in comparison with control showed significant antianxiety effect (p<0.01 and p<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Hence, further clinical trials can be done to see the effect of various statins on generalized anxiety disorder in comparison with standard antianxiety drugs.