The Behavioral and Pharmacological Effects of Taurine of Mice

Currently, there appears to be an increase in the consumption of energy drinks in the United States; however, many consumers are unaware of some of the active ingredients in most energy drinks. It is well known that caffeine is typically found in most energy drinks, and that the consumption of caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors, however little is known about the organic acid known as taurine. This study investigated the effects of various doses of taurine on CD-1 mice at both acute and chronic conditions. Motor coordination, blood pressure and overall activity levels were observed in mice following an acute dose of 20-200 mg of taurine, as well as after a chronic 3-week exposure to either a 1% or 5% taurine solution, acute treatment of taurine significantly decreased coordination in a dose-dependent manner. With the above-mentioned in mind, it was then important to characterize these behavioral responses in both genders as well as to evaluate any physiological effects in blood pressure due to chronic taurine exposure. This study examines the use of taurine in 4 different behavioral and physiological paradigms involving coordination, overall movements, drinking patterns and blood pressure. The study is important because as college students, we look for that product that will help us power through those long nights of studying but is a quick fix worth what we could unknowingly be doing to our bodies