Possible anxiolytic effects of taurine in the mouse elevated plus-maze.
The effects of taurine, an inhibitory amino acid, on the behavior of male mice were examined in the elevated plus-maze test of anxiety. Acute taurine treatment (60 mg/kg, PO) significantly increased the percentage of time spent in the open arms. Moreover, when taurine was administered daily for seven days and the plus-maze test was conducted 40 minutes after the last administration, a significant increase of the percentage of time in the open arms was observed even at dose of 2.5 mg/kg, however the open arm entries and the total entries were unaffected at any dose tested. In order to get a comprehensive profile of drug action, detailed behavioral analyses were further exerted. Single administration of 60 mg/kg taurine can significantly reduce the total rears. The results suggest that taurine have some anxiolytic-like properties, although its effects seem more limited and are not consistent with those presented by classic anxiolytics, such as diazepam.
Chen
Si Wei
SW
Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 41, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China. c100sw@yahoo.com
Kong
Wei Xi
WX
Zhang
Yi Jing
YJ
Li
Yu Lei
YL
Mi
Xiao Juan
XJ
Mu
Xiao Shuo
XS
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D003975:Diazepam; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D013654:Taurine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D013654:Taurine; D003975:Diazepam