DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF COMBINED ENERGY DRINK AND ALCOHOL ON THE MOTOR FUNCTION OF MALE ICR WHITE MICE

ABSTRACT: Consumption of alcoholic drinks in combination with energy drinks has been increasingly remarkable especially among adolescents and young adults. Rising incidence of binge drinking, alcohol intoxication, and vehicular accidents attributable to the consumption of this alcohol cocktail has been alarming. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of combined energy drink and alcohol (ED-AIc) particularly in the motor function. Male ICR white mice were utilized as test animals; these were divided into four groups (alcohol, energy drink, ED-AIc and control groups) with three mice each. Prior to experimentation, test animals were acclimatized in the laboratory, trained for pen balance and habituated in the behavioural locomotor arena. Test solutions were prepared, computed as per wt/wt and administered through oral gavage. The test ani,als` balance, coordination and motor function after administration of test solutions was assessed through pen balance test and observational test in the locomotor arena. Results showed that mice in the ED-AIc group exhibited better balance and coordination in the pen balance test, and greater locomotor activity compared to those under the alcohol group and energy group. Therefore, in conclusion, the administration of combined energy drink and alcohol to male ICR white mice could result to greater motor balance, coordination and locomotor activity compared to alcohol alone or energy drink alone. This showed that energy drink has the potential to decrease the depressant effect of alcohol in mice.

Department of Pharmacology