N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Inhibits Marble-Burying Behavior in Mice

In the present study, we examined the effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAG), a glutamate-modulating agent, on marble-burying behavior in mice. Fluvoxamine (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and mirtazapine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited marble-burying behavior without affecting locomotor activity. Similarity, NAG (150 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited marble-burying behavior without affecting locomotor activity. On the other hand, the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on the marble-burying behavior. These results suggest that the glutamatergic system is involved in the marble-burying behavior, and NAG may be useful for treatment of OCD.