ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
6-Hydroxydopamine
;
Catecholamine Hypothesis of Depression
;
Animal Model
;
Rat
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Two levels of permanent central norepinephrine depletion were obtained in rats by lesioning these neurons with small quantities of intraventricularly-applied 6-hydroxydopamine, and the effects of these lesions on a variety of standard tests of activity and emotional reactivity were studied. Both lesioned groups showed altered emotional reactivity; however, only the animals with less extensive lesions were hyperactive in running wheels, showed heightened shock-elicited aggression, were hyper-responsive to handling, and had a potentiated amphetamine-activation effect. It is suggested that these exaggerated behaviors reflected the sensitization and regeneration of partially lesioned noradrenergic circuits. These data are discussed in terms of the catecholamine hypothesis of depression.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00429467