Effect of ascorbic acid on behaviour of Wistar rats exposed to environmental heat stress

Abstract

Introduction: The hot-dry season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria is characterized by high ambient temperature and high relative humidity which imposes heat stress on the body resulting in enormous generation of free radicals and behavioural changes.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on behavior of Wistar rats exposed to environmental in heat stress.

Methods: Thirty Wistar rats weighing 140-160g were divided into 3 groups of 10 each. Group 1 served as control and was administered normal saline 1ml/kg orally, groups 2 exposed to environmental temperature of 38 ± 1 0C and group 3 were exposed to environmental temperature of 38 ± 1 0C and administered AA at 100mg/kg orally for 21 days. Behavioral activity in the open-field was assessed on days 1, 7, 14 and 21.

Results: The results showed a significant increase in pellets count, urination and immobilization in the control and heat exposed group compared to AA treated on days 1 and 7. Rearing, grooming and ambulation were significantly decreased in AA treated group on day 1, 7 and 14. There was no significant behavioral change on the 21st day indicating habituation.

Conclusion: It was concluded that ascorbic acid ameliorated some of the behavioral changes induced by environmental heat stress and therefore, individuals working in high temperature zones should be advised to be taking vitamin C supplements.