Neurobehavioral Effects of Repeated Low-Dose Dimethyl Sulfoxide Administration in Mice

Abstract

The aim of study was the neurobehavioral effects of repeated low-dose dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) administration in mice. Male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, DMSO 0.1 mg/kg, DMSO 0.2 mg/kg, and DMSO 0.4 mg/kg (n=6). DMSO was administered intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive days. Behavioral evaluations included the Open Field (OF), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Y-Maze (YM) and Marble Burying (MB) tests. Significant differences were observed among groups in terms of center time, thigmotaxis, and anxiety index in the OF test (p<0.05). DMSO-treated groups showed decreased center time and increased thigmotaxis values. In the EPM test, the percentage of time spent in open arms was significantly lower in the DMSO 0.4 mg/kg group (p<0.001). However, no significant differences were detected in open arm entries or total distance traveled (p>0.05). In the YM test, spontaneous alternation percentage, total arm entry, and total distance traveled did not differ significantly among groups (p>0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in the number of buried marbles in the MB test (p>0.05). The findings suggest that repeated low-dose DMSO administration may particularly influence anxiety-like behaviors. In contrast, spatial working memory, compulsive-like behavior, and locomotor activity were not markedly affected. These results indicate that DMSO should not be considered a completely inert solvent in experimental behavioral studies.