Biological Psychology/Pharmacopsychology
Main Editor: P. Netter (Giessen)
Original Paper

Behavioral Effects of Aluminum in Mice: Influence of Restraint Stress
M. Teresa Colomina^a, Domenec J. Sanchez^b, Miquel Sanchez-Turet^c, Jose L. Domingo<sup>b

a</sup>Psychobiology Unit, School of Psychology, 'Rovira i Virgili' University, Tarragona,
^bLaboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, 'Rovira i Virgili' University, Reus, and
^cPsychobiology Unit, School of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Spain

Address of Corresponding Author

Neuropsychobiology 1999;40:142-149 (DOI: 10.1159/000026612)

  Key Words

• Aluminum
• Oral Exposure
• Mice
• Restraint stress
• Behavioral effects

  Abstract

The influence of restraint stress on potential aluminum (Al)-induced behavioral changes was assessed in CD-1 mice. Three groups of adult mice were given 0, 300 and 600 mg Al/kg body weight per day in drinking water for 2 weeks. One-half of the animals in each group were concurrently subjected to restraint stress during 1 h per day throughout the study. After cessation of treatment, open-field activity, active avoidance learning, and motor resistance and coordination of the animals were evaluated. At the end of the behavioral testing period, mice were killed and Al concentrations were determined in a number of tissues. There were no remarkable effects of Al, restraint stress or their combined administration on either open-field activity or on the number of avoidances in an automatic reflex conditioner. However, a lower motor resistance and coordination in a rotarod were observed following exposure to Al at 600 mg/kg/day, restraint alone or concurrent administration of Al (300 and 600 mg/kg/day) plus restraint stress. The levels of Al in whole brain and cerebellum were significantly enhanced in mice exposed to Al plus restraint. Although the present results scarcely show Al-induced neurobehavioral effects, the influence of restraint stress on Al levels in whole brain and cerebellum can be the basis for further studies on the potential role of this element in certain neurological disorders.

  Author Contacts

Dr. Jose L. Domingo
School of Medicine, URV, San Lorenzo 21
E-43201 Reus (Spain)
Tel. +34 977 759380, Fax +34 977 759322, E-Mail jlldr@fmcs.urv.es

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 44