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Neurobehavioral effects of tetramisole in mice
F K Mohammad1, G A-M Faris, M S H Rhayma
1Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, P.O. Box 11136, Mosul, Iraq. fouadmohammad@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Acute toxicity and neurobehavioral effects of the veterinary anthelmintic tetramisole were examined in male albino mice. The 24-h median lethal doses of tetramisole were determined by the up-and-down method in mice after oral, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administrations, and they were 110, 57 and 34 mg/kg, respectively. The intoxicated mice manifested nervousness, crouching, piloerection and tremor. Subcutaneous injection of tetramisole at 0.5 and 1mg/kg did not significantly affect general locomotor activity of the mice in 5-min open-field activity test or negative geotaxis performance and landing foot splay. However, the 1mg/kg dose of tetramisole significantly increased the stereotyped behavior (grooming, sniffing, biting and licking and head bobbing) of the mice when compared to the control group. Daily treatment of mice with tetramisole at 0.5 and 1mg/kg for six consecutive days did not significantly affect their general locomotor activity in the open-field activity test. Both doses of tetramisole significantly increased stereotyped behavior of the mice on days 3, 5 and 8 in comparison with respective control values. Repeated tetramisole treatments (0.5 and 1mg/kg) also significantly decreased the time needed to complete the negative geotaxis task and reduced landing foot splay. All tetramisole-treated mice showed crouching behavior and were nervous and difficult to handle. The results suggest nervous involvement in the acute toxicity of tetramisole. Stereotyped behavior and changes in the negative geotaxis and landing foot splay are reported for the first time in mice treated with tetramisole.
Insights
The veterinary drug tetramisole causes acute toxicity and neurobehavioral changes in mice, including increased stereotyped behaviors and impaired motor coordination. These findings suggest nervous system involvement in tetramisole toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Neurotoxicology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Tetramisole is a widely used veterinary anthelmintic.
- Understanding its toxicity profile is crucial for safe application.
- Neurobehavioral effects of tetramisole have not been fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute toxicity of tetramisole in male albino mice.
- To evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of tetramisole following different administration routes and doses.
- To identify potential nervous system involvement in tetramisole-induced toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Determination of 24-h median lethal doses (LD50) via oral, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal routes.
- Assessment of general locomotor activity using the open-field test.
- Evaluation of negative geotaxis and landing foot splay.
- Observation of stereotyped behaviors and general clinical signs.
Main Results:
- Median lethal doses (mg/kg): oral 110, subcutaneous 57, intraperitoneal 34.
- Increased stereotyped behaviors (grooming, sniffing, etc.) observed at 1 mg/kg dose.
- Repeated treatments (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) increased stereotyped behavior and impaired negative geotaxis and landing foot splay.
- No significant effect on general locomotor activity in the open-field test.
Conclusions:
- Tetramisole exhibits significant acute toxicity and neurobehavioral effects in mice.
- Stereotyped behavior, altered negative geotaxis, and reduced landing foot splay are novel findings.
- Results indicate a neurotoxic potential of tetramisole, warranting further investigation.
