Behavioral studies
All the behaviors were monitored via a closed-circuit video
camera mounted on the ceiling of the test apparatus, which was
surrounded by black curtains to minimize undue distraction. The
apparatus was cleaned with 96% ethanol before each animal was
tested.
2.6.1. Elevated plus-maze
The elevated plus-maze apparatus was a four-arm maze made
of plastics. It consisted of two open arms with no wall (30 cm
length 5 cm width), two enclosed arms with a black wall (30 cm
length 5 cm width 16 cm height of the wall) and a central
platform (5 5 cm2
), arranged in such a way that the two arms of
each type were opposite to each other. The maze was elevated
40 cm above the floor. After the drug administration, each animal
(1) time spent in open arms, (2) number of open arm entries,
(3) first time to leave the center, (4) number of enclosed arm entries
and (5) number of central platform crossings. Entry into the open or
enclosed arms was defined at the point when the animals placed all
paws on the arm.