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Inherent differences in sensitivity to methylxanthines among inbred mice
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Caffeine and related compounds affect mouse activity differently across genetic strains. Paraxanthine and caffeine were most effective at increasing activity, while theobromine and theophylline showed varied effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Caffeine and its metabolites, methylxanthines, are widely consumed stimulants.
- Previous studies indicated genetic differences in mouse responses to caffeine toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral effects of caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine, and theobromine on locomotor activity in four distinct inbred mouse strains.
- To determine if genetic background influences the dose-response relationships of these methylxanthines.
Main Methods:
- Dose-response curves were established for four methylxanthines in CBA/J, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and SWR/J mice.
- Locomotor activity was measured to assess stimulant and depressant effects.
Main Results:
- Paraxanthine was the most effective stimulant in CBA/J, DBA/2J, and SWR/J mice; caffeine was most effective in C57BL/6J mice.
- Theophylline and theobromine showed limited or no stimulatory effects, and often decreased activity at higher doses across strains.
- Paraxanthine uniquely failed to decrease locomotor activity within the tested dose range.
Conclusions:
- Methylxanthines exhibit genetically determined, multiple modes of action on locomotor activity.
- Genetically distinct mouse strains are valuable tools for dissecting the neurochemical and pharmacological mechanisms underlying methylxanthine-induced behaviors.