Effects of gallic acid on exploratory behavior and locomotor activity in rats

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of GA on exploratory behavior and locomotor activity in male Wistar rats. METHODS: GA (20 mg/kg) or saline were administrated orally to different groups of rats for 7, 14, 21 and 30 days. At the end of each experimental period, the changes in rat behavior were recorded in an Opto Varimex apparatus. The number of horizontal and vertical movements recorded every minute served as a measure of exploratory activity and habituation. The total number of movements was used as a measure of locomotor activity. RESULTS: It was found that after 7 days of treatment, GA did not significantly affect exploratory behavior and locomotor activity of rats compared to the saline-treated controls. After the 14 day treatment period, GA did not significantly affect horizontal activity but reduced the number of vertical movements. After 21 and 30 days, GA significantly reduced both horizontal and vertical movements of rats compared to the controls. At all testing periods, GA did not disturb habituation which is considered as an elementary form of learning. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that GA applied subchronically to rats has a sedative effect and does not disturb the memory and learning processes.