Effect of large-dose taurine on locomotor activity of mice

In order to study the effect of large-dose taurine on locomotor activity of mice, 8-weeks-old male BALB/C mice were divided into 3 groups:control group, taurine group 1 (250mg/kg·bw) , and taurine group 2 (500mg/kg·bw) based on their body weights. 10d later, open-field test, elevated plus-maze test and tail suspension trial were conducted. Open-field test results:compared with control group, taurine group 1 and 2 had more locomotive activity in both of periphery and central area (p<0.05) , and had less immobility time (%) (p<0.05) , and had prolonged slow-moving and fast-moving time (%) (p<0.05) . Elevated plus-maze test results:compared with control group, the percentage of time in open arms was markedly increased in taurine group 1 (p<0.05) , and both of the percentage of time and moving distance in open arms were significantly improved in taurine group 2 (p<0.05) . Tail suspension trial results:there were no differences on immobility time, and total energy and power of movement among three groups. All the above data suggested taurine improved the locomotive activity and exploring ability of mice, and showed some anxiolytic effect but no antidepression effect.