QUERCETIN SUPPLEMENTATION MODULATED EXPLORATORY AND ANXIETY-RELATED BEHAVIOURS IN MICE SUBJECTED TO HYPOXIC STRESS
ANTHONY TAGHOGHO EDUVIERE1,*, MAMERHI TANIYOHWO ENAOHWO2, LILY OGHENEVOVWERO OTOMEWO 1
1. Department of Pharmacology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
2. Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 14(1): 040-051 ; Jan – June 2022
ABSTRACT
A majority of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. have been linked to the excess production of oxidative radicals over antioxidants; a phenomenon known as oxidative stress. More so, the level of oxygen present in the system is a crucial player in this process and thus fuels cellular functioning. This research therefore seeks to assess the effect of insufficient oxygen on specific behaviours of mice and the therapeutic potential of quercetin. Thirty (30) mice were procured for this research. They were randomly divided into five groups of six mice each (i.e., n=6) with group 1 serving as normal control receiving vehicle, group 2 as stressed control receiving vehicle and groups 3-5 receiving 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg quercetin, respectively. Only groups 2-5 were subjected to the hypoxia protocol. Afterwards, mice from all groups were tested for behavioural changes using tests for anxiety and movement patterns. Furthermore, histology of specific brain regions was carried out. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests at p<0.05 significance. The results revealed that mice that were subjected to hypoxia only exhibited behaviours that suggested increased anxiety and reduced movement patterns, and decreased number of viable neurons in specific brain regions. These effects were however significantly attenuated in the quercetin-treated groups. In conclusion, dietary quercetin is beneficial for brain health, behaviour and cellular functioning in mice exposed to hypoxia-induced stress or hypoxic environments.
Email of correspondence: tonyeduviere@yahoo.com;
KEYWORDS:Oxygen; Hypoxia; Anxiety; Movement; Oxidative stress.