Effect of creatine monohydrate supplementation on learning, memory and neuromuscular coordination in female albino mice

Abstract

Background: Research findings made over the last few years have highlighted the important role of creatine (Cr) in health and disease. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of Cr supplementation on cognation. Present study was designed to determine the effect of variable doses of Cr (1% and 3%) on selected parameters of female albino mice behaviour.

Methods: Following weaning, on 20th postnatal day, female albino mice were divided into three groups on the basis of dietary supplementation. Control group were was fed with normal rodent diet, whereas treated groups received diet supplemented with 1% and 3% Creatine monohydrate (Ssniff, Germany) for 10 weeks. Morris water maze (MWM), Rota rod and open field (OF) tests were carried out at the end of diet supplementation for neurofunctional assessment in all the groups.

Results: Data analysis showed that Cr supplementation did not affect the muscular activity and during rota rod test as well as locomotor and exploratory behaviour during OF test. Results of MWM probe trial indicated that mice supplemented with 3% Cr had significantly more entries in platform area than other two treatments (p=0.03) indicating improved spatial memory. Body weight remained unaffected (p>0.05) when compared between three experimental treatments.

Conclusion: Female mice supplemented with 3% Cr showed improved spatial memory than mice fed on 1% Cr-supplemented diet and mice on normal rodent diet.

Keywords: Morris water maze; creatine monohydrate; learning and memory; open field; rota rod.