the effect of crystal meth on anxiety related behavior in male rats

Abstract Background & aim: Consumption of methamphetamine compounds, especially with heavy usage, is associated with memory impairment and depression in the elevated spaces. The aim of this study was to alleviate the effect of crystal meth on Anxiety-related behaviors in male rat. Methods: In the present study, twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups: treated with saline, with crystal meth dosages of 5, 10 and 15 mg/ kg respectively. Crystal meth injection duration was seven days. Factors associated with anxiety in the elevated plus maze model were evaluated at the first, fourth and seventh day. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The injections of crystal meth in three days lead to the decrease of chronic and acute anxiety. Crystal Meth in two doses of 10 and 15 mg kg per day increased the percentage of time spent in the open arm (p <05). In days 4 and 7, the percentage of time spent in open arms and percentage of open arm and entry percentages of the group receiving crystal meth in comparison to saline group showed a significant increase p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggested that crystal meth possess capability to activating neural mechanisms in the control of anxiety. In fact, crystal meth in a dose- dependent usage can increase the probability of high risk behavior in users by anxiety reduction. Key words: Anxiety, Crystal Meth, Elevated Maze