Dose-response effects of taurine on some open-field behaviors in the rat.

In two experiments albino rats were injected i.p. with various doses of taurine and their subsequent behavior in an open-field apparatus was observed. Increasing doses of taurine significantly decreased ambulation levels, increased latency scores, and increased thigmotaxis ('wall-hugging' behavior). In general, 50 mg/kg or more of taurine was required to produce significant changes in the dependent behavioral measures. The open-field behaviors of rearing and defecation were not significantly affected by the drug manipulation. The results of these experiments suggest that taurine may act as modulating or stabilizing agent in the central nervous-motor system rather than as a diffuse inhibitory agent.