Role of Caffeine Intake in Lithium Treated Methylphenidate Induced Oxidative Stress in an Animal Model of Mania

In this study, we assessed the oxidative stress parameters in mice submitted to an animal model of mania induced by methylphenidate (MPH), which included the use of lithium chloride (LiCl) and caffeine (CAF). Behavioral changes were assessed using open field tests resulted in decreased locomotor activity, frequency of crossings and rearings were observed and significantly reversed in the combined treatment (LiCl and CAF). LiCl and CAF treatment reversed and prevented the MPH induced damage in these structures; however, this effect varies depending on the brain region and treatment regimen. Moreover, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was found to be increased in the brain of MPH administered mice. Combined treatment of LiCl and CAF modulated SOD and CAT activities in MPH subjected mice. Our results support the notion that LiCl and low dose CAF exert antioxidant like properties in the brain of mice induced by MPH. Further studies will be needed to discover the mechanisms responsible for these findings.