Behavioral and biochemical consequences of perinatal exposure of mice to instant coffee: a correlative evaluation

In the present study, the lasting effects of prepartum and perinatally consumed instant coffee by female mice on the behavior as well as on the level of activities of certain enzymes in the tissues of their male offspring have been investigated. The behavioral observations of nonsocial investigation, defense, displacement, latency to threat and naso-nasal contact has decreased significantly in offspring of treated mothers, while the threat, attack, latency to threat and attack and number of fights have increased significantly. Hence, coffee has proven to be an inducer of hyperactive behavior in these offspring. Such effects are both dose dependent and duration-of-treatment dependent. Moreover, variations were detected in the level of AChE activity in the brain tissues of these offspring together with variations in the levels of AcPase and AlPase activities in their liver, kidneys and testes. Such variations in these organs have developed in utero, making these enzymes convenient markers in teratological studies.