Low-dose oral caffeine induces a specific form of behavioral sensitization in rats

The present study assessed the effects of a low dose of orally administered caffeine on sensitization of open-field behavior in rats. rats had free access to untreated water every day or water containing 0.2 mg/ml of caffeine every other day of the 14-day experiment. on alternate days discrete movements (horizontal and vertical) and ambulatory distance were measured in open-field activity monitors. although caffeine intake significantly decreased across test sessions in caffeine-treated rats,the number of discrete horizontal movements significantly increased. these findings suggest that low doses of orally administered caffeine induce a specific form of behavioral sensitization in rats. copyright © 2011 by institute of pharmacology polish academy of sciences.