Effects of Diethylene Glycol on Cognitive Abilities in Rats

Abstract

Background: Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a prevalent organic solvent with numerous industrial applications. Limited research exists regarding the potential toxicological consequences of low-dose DEG exposure on cognitive functions within the nervous system. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the impact of low-dose DEG administration on cognitive abilities in rats. Methods: For this experimental investigation, twenty male Wistar rats were allocated randomly to a DEG treatment group (1.6 mg/kg/day for 30 days) and a control group. The cross-modal visual-tactile object recognition (CMOR) task was performed employing four variants of the spontaneous object recognition (SOR) test, encompassing standard SOR, tactile SOR, visual SOR, and CMOR tests. To evaluate the animals’ preference for novelty, a discrimination ratio was calculated. The Morris water maze (MWM) and shuttle box tests served to assess spatial learning, memory function, and avoidance behavior, respectively. Additionally, the elevated plus maze (EPM) test served to evaluate anxiety-related behaviors in the rats. Results: The findings indicated no statistically significant differences between the DEG and control groups across all CMOR tasks, passive avoidance, spatial learning and memory, and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Conclusions: In conclusion, low-dose DEG exposure was not associated with detectable impairments in memory, learning, or anxiety-like behaviors in rats.