Zinc Tempers Haloperidol-induced Behavioural Changes in Healthy Mice

Abstract Objective: Behavioural changes secondary to haloperidol/zinc administration were studied, with a view to understanding the patterns of behavioural responses that may be exhibited after such treatment in healthy mice. Methodology: 6 month old Swiss mice (24-30 g each, n=12), were given vehicle (distilled water), haloperidol (2 mg/kg), zinc (as Zinc gluconate, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) or haloperidol/zinc combination, orally for 21 days. Behaviours were assessed after the first and last dose of haloperidol/zinc. Results: Zinc administration led to a significant reduction of haloperidol-induced suppression of horizontal locomotion, rearing and grooming behaviours. Zn also prevented the deterioration in Y-maze and radial-arm maze working-memory that was associated with repeated haloperidol administration. Finally, an enhanced anxiolytic effect was seen with co-administration of haloperidol with the lower dose of zinc. Conclusion: Co-administration of haloperidol with zinc can reduce some unwanted effects that are known to be associated with haloperidol therapy; hence zinc may be a beneficial adjunct to haloperidol administration