Opposite effects of antioxidants on anxiety in Wistar and OXYS rats

Abstract

Passive behavior in the open field test and high anxiety in an elevated plus-maze develop in OXYS rats by the age of 3 months and are regarded as manifestations of early aging. We studied the possibility of preventing these disturbances with vitamin E and whortleberry extract (20 mg/kg for 45 days from the age of 1.5 months). Whortleberry extract alone increased horizontal activity and reduced anxiety of OXYS rats, while anxiety in Wistar rats increased significantly after treatment with both preparations, and especially with vitamin E: the number of entries into open arms of the elevated plus-maze and the time spent there decreased. The results necessitate comprehensive evaluation of the aftereffects of long-term use of antioxidants, acknowledged geroprotectors intended for preventive use.