Neurobehavioral effects of tetramisole in mice.
Author: Mohammad FK, Faris GA, Rhayma MS, Ahmed K.
Source:
Neurotoxicology, 27(2), 153-157.
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.