Peter Erigbali, Eme Osim, Ileimo Ogregade
Body weight change was investigated in three groups of Adult Swiss mice weighing 20.2 kg-27.4 kg and consumed normal rodent chow (0% plantain), 50% plantain diet or 100% plantain (Musa paradisiaca) diet for 30 days. Food and water intake was measured daily, while weight change was monitored at every three day interval using a sensitive electronic scale. Locomotors and exploratory activities were investigated by Open field maze. Then Brain serotonin level was estimated by high performance liquid chromatography. The result shows that mean food intake varied significantly (p<0.05) among the different experimental group of mice; control >50% plantain >100% plantain. The mean water intake was increased significantly (p<0.05) in the 100% plantain diet fed-mice than control. But the mean water intake in the 50% plantain diet group did not differ significantly from control at p<0.05. The body weight change in the 100% plantain group was significantly (p<0.05) higher than control and 50% plantain diet group. The frequency of line crosses, walling and rearing was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the plantain groups than control. Serotonin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the 100% plantain diet fed-mice than 50% group and control. These observations suggest an increased weight gain margin in plantain diet fed-mice; with higher tendency for water intake but reduced locomotor and exploratory activities that may implicate serotonin.