Mathangi DC, Namasivayam A. Effect of cassava consumption on open-field behavior and brain neurotransmitters in albino rats.
Physiol Behav 2000;
70:89-93. [PMID:
10978482 DOI:
10.1016/s0031-9384(00)00252-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Diet exerts a critical influence on human biology and thus studies on the interrelationship of nutrition and behavior continues to be a major and important focus of research in the natural experimental sciences. Cassava is known to cause metabolic and neurological derangement on long-term consumption as a staple diet in the tropics. In this article we present the effects of cassava consumption on open-field behavior and catecholamine levels in the hypothalamus of albino rats. Cassava consumption for 30 days alters the emotional status of the rats, with changes in the basal neurotransmitter levels in the hypothalamus. The role of the cyanide (liberated from cassava) and protein deficiency (associated with cassava consumption) has been discussed.
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