Local field potential power spectra and locomotor activity following treatment with pseudoephedrine in mice

The efficacy of pseudoephedrine (PSE) as a nasal decongestant has been well‑demonstrated; however, PSE is strictly prescribed as a control substance due to its controversial psychostimulant effects. Although standard stimulatory drugs increase exploratory behavior and stimulate the dopamine system, the exact effects of PSE on locomotion and electrical activity in the striatum have not been determined. This study aimed to examine and compare the locomotor activities, local field potential (LFP) and sleep‑wake patterns produced by PSE and morphine, which is a standard drug used to promote psychomotor activity. Male Swiss albino mice were anesthetized and implanted with an intracranial electrode into the striatum. Animals were divided into four groups, which received either saline, PSE or morphine. Locomotor activity and LFP signals were continuously monitored following pseudoephedrine or morphine treatment. One‑way ANOVA revealed that locomotor count was significantly increased by morphine, but not PSE. Frequency analyses of LFP signals using fast Fourier transform also revealed significant increases in spectral powers of low‑ and high‑gamma waves following treatment with morphine, but not PSE. Sleep‑wake analysis also confirmed significant increases in waking and decreases in both non‑rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep following morphine treatment. Sleep‑wakefulness did not appear to be disturbed by PSE treatment. These findings indicate that acute PSE administration, even at high doses, does not have psychostimulatory effects and may be relatively safe for the treatment of non‑chronic nasal congestion.