Effect of Chronic consumption of powdered tobacco (snuff) on anxiety, fear and social behaviours

Abstract

The effect of chronic consumption of tobacco powder on anxiety, fear and social behavior was studied using two groups of Swiss mice (control and test) weighing 18g-28g (n=15 each). The control received 100g of normal rodent chow, while the test received 1g of tobacco powder in 99g of rodent chow per day. Water was given ad libitum while daily food and water intake, as well as body weight changes, were monitored during the 31-day study. The elevated plus maize (EPM) and light/dark transition box (LDTB) were used to access anxiety and fear, while nest building was used to assess social behaviour. The results showed a significantly higher body weight (P<0.O5), as well as food and water intake (P<0.01) in the test group. In EPM, the duration in the open arm frequency and head dips was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the test group, while the frequency of stretch attend posture and defecation was lower in the test group (P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively); signifying a decrease in anxiety and fear, which was also observed in LDTB, but no significant difference in nest building between both groups. Thus, chronic consumption of powdered tobacco may decrease anxiety/fear but has no effect on social behaviour.

Keywords: Powdered tobacco, Snuff, Anxiety, Fear, Social behaviour, Mice.