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Modified Irwin Test with Single Intravenous Administration of Caffeine in Mice

  • 0College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University.
Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology +

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June 29, 2025

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June 29, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Intravenous caffeine administration in mice significantly altered locomotion and traction, particularly at higher doses. These findings are crucial for understanding caffeine

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Behavioral Science

Background

  • Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant with known central nervous system (CNS) effects.
  • Understanding the precise behavioral impact of caffeine, especially via intravenous administration, is essential for pharmacological research.
  • The modified Irwin test provides a standardized method for assessing neurobehavioral parameters in rodents.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the acute behavioral effects of varying intravenous caffeine doses in male ICR mice.
  • To quantify changes in motor activity, traction, and respiratory rate following caffeine administration.
  • To establish dose-dependent behavioral responses for safe CNS drug testing.

Main Methods

  • Thirty-two male ICR mice were administered intravenous caffeine at doses of 0 (control), 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg.
  • Behavioral assessments, including traction, locomotion, and respiratory rate, were conducted at multiple time points (0, 0.25, 1.5, 6, and 24 hours post-injection).
  • A modified Irwin test was employed for systematic behavioral observation and scoring.

Main Results

  • Significant alterations in traction and locomotion were observed at caffeine doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg.
  • Increased locomotion, characterized by grooming and rapid movement, was evident between 0.25 and 1.5 hours post-administration in the 10 and 20 mg/kg groups.
  • Respiratory rate changes were noted exclusively in the 20 mg/kg group during the initial observation period.

Conclusions

  • Intravenous caffeine administration significantly impacts mouse behavior, specifically motor activity and traction.
  • The observed effects are dose-dependent, with higher concentrations eliciting more pronounced changes.
  • These findings offer valuable data for the safe and effective use of caffeine in pharmacological studies targeting the CNS.

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