Behavioural Studies of the Prefrontal Cortex in Female Wistar Rats Exposed to Alprazolam

INTRODUCTION: Alprazolam is a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer of moderate duration within the group of chemicals called benzodiazepines, frequently prescribed to manage panic and anxiety disorders. It has addiction potential, this means that they strongly activate the reward center of the brain and can produce feelings of pleasure. It is effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety associated with depression, and panic disorder. It is thought that it works by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. This study aims to investigate how prolonged alprazolam exposure affects the behavioral changes and outcomes in prefrontal cortex of female wistar rats. METHODOLOGY: 15 adult Female wistar rats weighing 240g – 270g were procured; the rats were grouped into three (3) groups. Group 1-3 consist of Five (5) female wistar rats each. Group 1, control were administered 0.5ml of phosphate buffer saline, Group 2 were administered 0.5mg/kg dose of Alprazolam and Group 3 were administered 1mg/kg dose of Alprazolam respectively. Administration was taken orally through the use of an oral cannula for 4 weeks (28 days), after which behavioral studies (using Y-maze test, Elevated plus maze test, Open field test and Morris water maze test) was conducted. RESULT: There was an increase in the body weight of rats administered 0.5mg/kg and 1mg/kg Alprazolam compared to the control. The behavioral results are; Y maze revealed that alprazolam perturbed spatial memory in rats administered 0.5mg/kg and 1mg/kg Alprazolam compared to the control. Morris water maze showed an intact working memory of rats administered 0.5mg/kg Alprazolam compared to the control and a decrease in the working memory of rats administered 1mg/kg of Alprazolam compared to the control. Open field box showed a decrease in the anxiety level of rats administered 0.5mg/kg Alprazolam and an increase in the anxiety level of rats administered 1mg/kg Alprazolam compared to the control. And Elevated plus maze showed an increase in the anxiety behavior of rats administered 0.5mg/kg and 1mg/kg Alprazolam compared to the control. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: From this study, we have been able to see that prolonged administration of alprazolam induces significant behavioral alterations, such as, impaired spatial memory, working memory, while also inducing anxiety-like behaviors and altering social interaction.