Designing A Model of Induced-Benzhexol Addiction In Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Benzhexol hydrochloride ( Trihexyphenidyl ) is a potent anticholinergic agent. Abuse of benzhexol has been noted with increasing frequency in recent years By reviewing the relevant literature, no model for benzhexol addiction in rats was found.Aim of the study: to designing a model of induced benzhexol addiction in male rats. Materials and methods: Thirty two male, adult, Albino rats were enrolled in this experiments. The animals were randomly divided into 4 g.oups, eight rats for each group. Each rat of group 1 received normal saline (N.S.) in equal volume to the benzhexol dose, twice daily (b.d.), orally (p.o.) by gastric tube for 10 days. Each rat of group 2,3 and 4 received benzhexol 0.1mg, 0.2mg and 0.4mg respectively, b.d., p.o. by gastric tube for 10 days. On the 11th day, each rat was placed in the open-field chamber for 15 minutes and all behaviors (withdrawal symptoms) of the animals were recorded by video camera.Results and conclusion: Withdrawal symptoms such as rooming, wet dog shakes, head shakes, abdominal constriction, facial fasciculation, ptosis and piloerection significantly increased (P<0.05) in group 3 and 4 as compared with control group and model of benzhexol addiction in male rats can be induced by administration of 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg of benzhexol, pd, po, for 10 days