Locomotor and Exploratory Behaviour in Mice with Treated Oral Artemether Suspension

Abstract

Previous studies with intramuscular Artemether reveal dose dependent neurotoxicity with specific concern on the nuclei of the brain stem. This study was aimed at assessing the effect of oral Artemether suspension on locomotor and exploratory behaviour in mice. The study was conducted using a total of 30 mice randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 served as the control and was administered with neither drug nor placebo. Groups 2 and 3 were administered with 30mg/kg/day (low dose) and 60mg/kg/day (high dose) respectively of oral Artemether suspension for 17 days. Behavioural tools used were Open Field Maze, ElevatedPlus maze and Light/Dark transition box. Parameters measured were centre square duration/ entries, frequency of rearing, frequency of line crosses, open arm duration / entries and head dips. In the Open Field test, centre square duration and entries were significantly higher in the low dose group but lower in the high dose group compared to the control. The frequency of line crosses in the Open Field test was also significantly lower in the high dose group compared to control. The frequency of rearing was significantly lower in high dose group compared to the control in all the 3 behavioural tools used. There was no significant difference between the control and the experimental mice in the frequency of head dips and open arm duration/entries. In conclusion, oral Artemether causes reduce exploratory and locomotor activity.