Effect of PTZ-induced acute seizures on anxiety-like behaviors in open field test in male mice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Akbari
Hossein Mostafavi
Hadi Feizi
Mahin Ganjkhani
department of Physiology, faculty of medical sciences, Zanjan university of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
10.48311/mjms.2026.118501.82613
Abstract
Background: Seizures induce transient changes in behavior, including changes in anxiety-related exploration. In the present study the effect of acute pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures on activity and exploration in open-field test was investigated.
Methods: Eight adult male C57BL/6 mice (weighing 20-25 g) were subjected to the open-field test before and 24 hours after intraperitoneal administration of PTZ (60 mg/kg) to induce an acute seizure model. Behavioral parameters, including time spent in the center zone (center time), number of crossings, and distance traveled in the center zone, were evaluated.
Results: PTZ injection significantly reduced center time (P < 0.05) and had a large effect on reducing the number of crossings (d = 1.16) and center distance moved (d = 0.8) parameters. These data suggested a meaningful alterations in exploratory behavior following PTZ injection.
Conclusion: These findings indicated that acute PTZ-induced seizures are associated with changes in anxiety-like behavior, particularly reflected by reduced exploration of the central area of the open-field arena.
Keywords
Seizure
Open field
Exploration
Pentylenetetrazol
Anxiety
Subjects