Effects of Xylazine on selective behaviors in the mouse and comparison with opioids

Abstract

Introduction: Morphine is fenanterenic derivative of popy. Effects of morphine have been studied on behavior but among different ?-2 agonist drugs few studies have been found on xylazine. Xylazine is an analgesic sedative drug as well as muscle that is related to agonistic effects on ?-2 adrenergic receptors. Unforeseen toxification with xylazine has been observed in human. Material and Methods: 15 male mice in 3 groups were used. Single dose of morphin (in first group) and xylazine (in second group) was injected intraperitoneally. After 45 minetes study by different test including Time on an inclined plane ,Activity box , Catalepsy ,Grooming behavior,Elevated Plus Maze,Hot plate and Floating behavior were used. Data were presented as means ± SEM and the means of three groups were compared by using one-way analysis of variance. Where permitted, the mean of an individual group was compared with that of the controls by Bonferroni's t test. A P value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In Catalepsy test morphin injected mice stayed 120seconds and xylazine injected mice stayed 26 seconds compare to control (5seconds). In Time on an inclined plane test reduction was shown but it was not significant. In Elevated Plus Maze test staying in short arm was reduced 50% but a significant increase in long arm was seen in second treatment (253±22seconds) compared to control group(148±23seconds). Discussion: In spite of strong deviation in some data, significant increase in anxiety behavior in mice has been documented. Similar drugs might cause such effects in human that can be the topic for future studies.