Abstract
The influence of 6-hydroxydopa (6-HDP) injected into the lateral ventricles of rat brain on the behaviour of animals was examined. The level of noradrenaline (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in discrete areas of the brain was also measured.
6-HDP was injected in a dose of 100 or 150 Μg into both lateral ventricles, or in a dose of 200 Μg into the right lateral ventricle. Immediately after 6-HDP injection, circling movements, convulsions, aggressive behaviour, and Stereotypic activity were seen. These components of behaviour were most obvious during the first hour after injection of 6-HDP. During one month after 6-HDP administration the behaviour of rats did not differ significantly from the behaviour of control animals, only very subtle differences in behaviour being seen. The dose of 150 Μg of 6-HDP caused aphagia and loss of body weigth during the first 5 days after treatment. 6-HDP also caused hypothermia. 20 min after administration of 200 Μg of 6-HDP a decrease of the NA level but no changes in the 5-HT level in the brain cortex were seen. The same changes were observed 1 month after 6-HDP treatment. The dose of 150 Μg of 6-HDP decreased the NA level in the brain cortex, cerebellum, mesencephalon and brain stem 5 days after treatment. 5-HT content was not changed and the 5-HIAA level was increased in the same brain areas. The dose of 100 Μg of 6-HDP, 2 weeks after the treatment decreased the content of NA in the brain cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus and brain stem without changes in 5-HT content. 5-HIAA level was elevated only in the brain stem.
It is concluded that 6-HDP is a long-acting potent depletor of NA in rat brain. There is a different sensitivity of brain areas to the depleting effect of 6-HDP. 6-HDP does not deplete the 5-HT content of discrete areas of brain but increases the level of 5-HIAA. 6-HDP causes distinct behavioural changes shortly after the treatment. It does not change the behaviour of rats between 1 and 30 days after its administration.
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Kmieciak-Kołada, K., Herman, Z.S. & Słomińska-żurek, J. Behavioural and biochemical effects of 6-hydroxydopa in rats. Psychopharmacologia 35, 341–352 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00429225
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00429225