Neurobehavioural Activity In Albino Wistar Rats In The Open Field Maze Following Long Term Tobacco Diet Ingestion

Abstract

Chemicals with behavioral activity are delivered to users when tobacco products are ingested. Nicotine in tobacco causes depression of locomotor activity in rats; but, tolerance to this activity develops following chronic administration. However there is a controversy in the way rodents differ in their sensitivity and direction of the effect (increased or decreased activity) of nicotine. This study aims to determine such a status in the albino Wistar rats. The open field maze (arena) was used to study locomotor, exploratory and anxiety related behaviors in 32 albino Wistar rats weighing between 180g – 230g. The rats were grouped into 4 consisting of 8 rats each. Group 1 animals which served as control had free access to normal rat chow and clean drinking water. Group 2 animals received 15% w/w tobacco diet; group 3 animals received 24% w/w tobacco diet; while group 4 animals received 30% w/w tobacco diet. Each animal was tested in the open maze for 5 minutes and behaviors scored. ANOVA and post-hoc t-test were employed for statistical analysis and p<.05, accepted as significant. Our results revealed changes in behaviour that may likely result from the total constituents of tobacco as against reported effects of nicotine alone.