Formation of stress resistance and changes in cognitive functions under the influence of a complex of chemical food additives

Abstract

The article provides information about a study conducted to investigate behavioral reactions and stress tolerance in rats that were administered chemical food additives (monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, Ponso-4R) for different durations. In the study, experimental subgroups of laboratory rats were administered complex chemical food additives daily once orally for 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks. Cognitive functions were assessed using the “Extrapolation Escape” test. The analysis of the obtained results showed that the estimated indicators at the initial stages of the experiment (up to 8 weeks) had positive dynamics, which was characterised by a reduction in the time of occurrence of reactions. After 12 weeks of introducing the complex of food additives, negative changes occurred, which were manifested by a gradual postponement of the studied indicators. The worst indicators were recorded after week 20 (significant at p<0.05. It was found that the use of a complex of chemical food additives leads to blunted reactions under conditions of acute stress, as well as impaired ability to find a way out of the acute stress situation.