The Role of Aripiprazole (An Anti-psychotic Drug) in the Resolution of Acute Peripheral Inflammation in Male Wistar Rats

Aripiprazole, a known second generation anti-psychotic drug has been implicated to possess an anti-inflammatory potential, but yet not scientific adequately explored. This study investigated the role of aripiprazole in the resolution of acute peripheral inflammation in male wistar rats.

Thirty six (36) male wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 was given orally 10 ml/kg normal saline while Group 2 received 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan only at the right hind paw. Group 3 was given orally 0.1 mg/kg aripiprazole while Group 4 animals were administered by oral gavage 0.3 mg/kg aripiprazole. Group 5 was given orally 0.5 mg/kg of aripiprazole while Group 6 received 100 mg/kg aspirin. One hour after administration of either aripiprazole or aspirin, 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan was injected into the right hind paw of all the groups except Group 1 which received 0.1 ml of normal saline at the right hind paw.

There was reduction in paw sizes of the animals given 0.5 mg/kg aripiprazole when compare with the control group (normal saline) at (p<0.05).

In conclusion, the study reveals that aripiprazole seems to have anti-inflammatory activities in carrageenan induced paw oedema in male wistar rats.