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Decreased locomotor activity produced by repeated, but not single, administration of murine-recombinant

S B Weinberger1, G Schulteis, A G Fernando

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.

Life Sciences
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

A single dose of murine-recombinant interferon-gamma (murIFN-gamma) did not affect activity. However, repeated murIFN-gamma administration led to reduced movement and increased body weight in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a cytokine with diverse biological functions.
  • The behavioral effects of IFN-gamma, particularly in the central nervous system, require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of murine-recombinant interferon-gamma (murIFN-gamma) on spontaneous locomotor activity and body weight in mice.
  • To differentiate the effects of single versus repeated administration of murIFN-gamma.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of murIFN-gamma (30 µg/mouse) or repeated daily injections for 5 days.
  • Open field activity was assessed immediately and 4 hours after the single injection.
  • Body weight was monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

  • A single dose of murIFN-gamma did not alter open field activity levels at either time point.
  • Repeated daily administration of murIFN-gamma resulted in a significant decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity.
  • Repeated murIFN-gamma administration was associated with a notable increase in body weight.

Conclusions:

  • Single-dose murIFN-gamma exhibits no acute behavioral effects on locomotor activity.
  • Prolonged exposure to murIFN-gamma induces hypoactivity and promotes weight gain in mice.
  • These findings suggest that chronic interferon-gamma signaling may influence motor function and metabolism.

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