Boron attenuates anxiety-related behaviors in an MK-801-induced schizophrenia mouse model

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by abnormal behavior and impaired brain function. MK-801, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, is frequently used to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including locomotor hyperactivity and anxiety-related behaviors. Boron is a trace element with known antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, though the alkaline form of boron has not been studied in this context. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of alkaline boron on behavioral alterations induced by MK-801 in mice. Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): control, MK-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), boron + MK-801 (boron-100 mg/kg + MK-801-1 mg/kg, i.p.), and boron (100 mg/kg, i.p.). Injections were administered daily for 14 days. Thirty minutes after the final dose, animals underwent the open field test, where locomotor activity, time spent outside the center, grooming frequency and duration, and defecation count were recorded. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s multiple range test. MK-801 administration induced locomotor hyperactivity, reduced grooming behavior, and suppressed defecation compared to controls (p<0.05). Boron treatment did not exert protective effects on locomotor activity, grooming, or defecation parameters (p>0.05). However, boron significantly attenuated the MK-801-induced reduction in time spent outside the center, suggesting an anxiolytic-like effect (p<0.05). Alkaline boron demonstrated partial protective effects in an MK-801-induced schizophrenia mouse model, specifically on anxiety-related behavior. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying boron’s neuroprotective potential and its relevance for schizophrenia-related behavioral deficits.