The Effect of Long Term Consumption of Powdered Tobacco Diet on Learning and Memory in Swiss White Mice

Abstract

Aim: The effects of long term consumption of powdered tobacco (snuff) diet on learning and memory was studied in 30 Swiss white mice. Design: The mice were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 15 each). Mice in group 1 (test group) were fed 1% tobacco diet while mice in the other group (control) were fed normal rodent chow only. Both groups were fed for 31 days before carrying out behavioural testing. All mice were given free access to clean drinking water. Methodology: Food and water consumption by the animals were measured daily while their body weight was measured every two days. The Morris water maze was used to assess Learning and Memory in the mice. Results: The mean daily water and food intake was significantly higher (p<0.01; 0.001 respectively) in the tobacco diet-fed group than in control. The tobacco diet fed group also had a significantly higher (p<0.05) body weight gain than control. The swim latency during the reversal training was shorter in the tobacco diet-fed mice compared to their controls (p<0.01), showing better learning among the tobacco diet-fed group of mice. Southeast (reversal/retention) quadrant duration was also higher in the tobacco diet-fed mice (p<0.01) showing better memory than control. Conclusion: Long term consumption of 1% tobacco diet increased food and water intake, weight gain and improved learning and Memory in mice.