Novel anti-depressant activity in animal model of Zn(II)-S-methyl-cysteine complex and other pharmacological activities.

G.E. ESCUDERO, MARESCA ,C.H. LAINO; E.G. FERRER, N. MARTINI, K. JORI, N. JORI, P.A.M. WILLIAMS.

Rio de Janeiro

Simposio; 5º SIMPOSIO LATINOAMERICANO DE QUÍMICA DE COORDINACIÓN Y ORGANOMETÁLICA; 2015

The antidepressant-like effect of simple Zn(II) salts has been proved in several animal models of depression1. In this study, a coordination metal complex of Zn(II) having a sulfur containing ligand is tested as antidepressant for the first time. Treatment of Zn(S-Met)2 (S-Met= S-methyl-L-cysteine) in the rat forced swimming test model of depression shows a decrease in the immobility and an increase in the swimming behavior being this action more effective and remarkable than ZnCl2 (synergic effect as a result of the coordination). There is a great scientific attention in new pharmacological compounds proficient in inhibiting phosphatases activities2 and also acting as antioxidant compounds. The interest in the determination of the antioxidant activity of S-methyl-L-cysteine was based on previous data that indicated the decrease in oxidative stress under the presence of cysteine-containing agents.3In addition, this work includes the determination of the antioxidant activity and the inhibition studies on acid phosphatase enzyme (AcP). Both S-methyl-L-cysteine and the Zn(S-Met)2 complex have been tested against peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. The results present evidence of attenuation of hydroxyl but not peroxyl activity. S-methyl-L-cysteine do not produces effect on AcP activity in contrast to the Zn(S-Met)2 complex that behaves as a good inhibitor agent. Finally, bioavailability studies have been performed using fluorescence spectroscopy and the ability of albumin to transport the complex can be determined.