Performance of motor associated behavioural tests following chronic nicotine administration

Abstract

BackgroundNicotine has shown potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases though there are concerns that it may induce behavioural deficits.PurposeThe present study sought to determine the effect of chronic nicotine administration on overall motor functions and coordination.MethodsForty adult female and male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into 4 groups. Treated groups were administered nicotine via subcutaneous injections at doses of 0.25, 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Control groups received normal saline. All animals were monitored for the first few minutes after each injection for any observed immediate effect of drug administration. Motor associated behavioural tests performed include: open field test, string test for grip strength and limb impairment, movement initiation and step test.ResultsNicotine induced muscular convulsions within the first 1-5 minutes following daily subcutaneous injections, throughout the period of administration. This was observed to be more severe in females. Nicotine did not produce major alterations in overall motor functions and coordination in both females and males.ConclusionThe present study shows chronic nicotine treatment produces muscular convulsion but no major deficit in overall motor function and coordination and that any observed alterations may just be transient effects.

The role of Garlic and Honey on Nicotine-Induced Toxicity on the Cerebellum of adult Wistar Rats

“…The loss in grip was also con rmed by the increased concentration of LDH and the neuronal degeneration which showed neurodegeneration in the experimental groups which was characterized by decreased population of Purkinje cells with Purkinje cells undergoing pyknosis and necrosis and loss of Cerebellar white mater. This disagrees with the previous study by Ijonome et al (35) which showed that nicotine produced no major de cit in the motor function and coordination as in animals of Group 2 with increased latency to grip and a slight reduction in the score on limb impairment. These suggest that the low doses of garlic and honey administered after nicotine administration had increased the latency to grip loss.…”

“…Nicotine has been reported in previous studies to cause a reduction in body weight (35) and the result from the present study showed decrease in body weight in the treated groups compared to the Control which may be due to the reduction in food intake. This agrees with the previous studies of Ijomone et al (35); Omotoso and Babalola, (36). Our results also showed that there was increase in the body weight in Groups 7 and 8 compared to Group 2.…”

“…The string test method can be used to measure grip strength and as a traction apparatus for assessing limb impairment (35). Reduced latency in grip loss was indicative of compromised muscle strength and ability to grasp and hold onto objects (39), while the reduced scores on limb impairment indicate compromised limb function and strength of the animals.…”

Ameliorative Effect of <b><i>Withaferin</i></b> <b><i>A</i></b> on Ageing-Mediated Impairment in the Dopamine System and Its Associated Behavior of Wistar Albino Rat

“…The locomotor and exploratory activities of the rats were recorded with the open-field test as described by Ijomone et al [13]. Narrow beam walking test was performed to assess the motor coordination requiring balance and equilibrium [14].…”

Adolescent Oral Methylphenidate Treatment Causes Post-administration Increase in Weight Gain and Hyperphagia with no Effect on Anxiety-related Behaviours in Rats

“…The apparatus used has been previously described [15]. Rats were placed singly in the centre of the OF, and the number of central squares (farther from walls) crossed, and peripheral squares (nearer to walls) that were crossed are noted for 5min.…”