Abstract
Studies have consistently reported the participation of oxidative stress in bipolar disorder
(BD). Evidence indicates that epigenetic regulations have been implicated in the
pathophysiology of mood disorders. Considering these evidences, the present study aimed to
investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB), a histone deacetylase (HDAC)inhibitor, on
manic-like behavior and oxidative stress parameters (TBARS and protein carbonyl content
and SOD and CAT activities) in frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats subjected to the
animal model of mania induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) ouabain administration.The
results showed that SB reversed ouabain-induced hyperactivity, which represents a maniclike
behavior in rats. In addition, the ouabain ICV administration induced oxidative damage
to lipid and protein and alters antioxidant enzymes activity in all brain structures analyzed.
The treatment with SB was able to reversesboth behavioral and oxidative stress parameters
alteration induced by ouabain.In conclusion, we suggest that SB can be considered a potential
new mood stabilizer by acts on manic-like behavior and regulatesthe antioxidant enzyme
activities, protecting the brain against oxidative damage.