Long-Term Administration of Cannabis sativa on Locomotor and Exploratory Behavior in Mice

摘要

The effect of long term administration of Cannabis sativa on locomotion and exploratory activity in mice was studied. A total of 27 albino mice (male and female) were used for the experiment. They were assigned randomly into three groups (control, low dose and high dose) containing nine (9) mice each for the tests on neurobehavior. Group I (the control group) was given 10ml/kg of normal saline. Group II (The low dose group) was administered 10mg/kg/day of Cannabis sativa; Group III (high dose group) was administered 20mg/kg/day Cannabis sativa . Oral route of administration was used for all groups for 28 days. All three groups were allowed free access to food and water. After 28 days of administration of Cannabis sativa , the experiments on neurobehavior were carried out. The open field maze was used to access locomotor/ exploratory behavior, the elevated plus maze for fear and anxiety, the light/ dark box for anxiety, fear and exploratory behavior. Locomotor behavior differed in the three groups. The low dose-treated group had lower locomotion and exploratory activity with high anxiety compared to control, as seen in the line crosses, and rearing activities. This effect was observed to be more when high dose of Cannabis sativa was administered (P<0.001). This trend was repeated when the animals were exposed to the elevated plus maze and light/dark box apparatus. In conclusion, long term administration of Cannabis sativa decreases locomotor and exploratory activity, and also increases fear and anxiety in mice.