The name is absent

BEHAVIOftAL BIOI OGY 20, 500-506(1977)

BRIEF REPORT

P-Chlorophenylalanine-Produced Effects on Behavior In
Intact and Brain-Damaged Rats'

Robert Oadfs

Zoologisιlκs Institut dι∙r Technischen, Hochsi hule. 61 Durmstadt.

Hi hnittpahnstrasse. 3. Federal Republic of Germuny

AND

Robert I.. Isaacson

Depurtment of Psychology, University of Floridu.

Gainesville. Florida 3261'

This study was undertaken to determine if a reduction in serotonin (5-HT>
synthesis would provide any ρroιec∣ιoπ from the behavioral effects ot^ hippocam-
pal damage. The behavior of rats with such damage, of rats with only neocortical
damage, and of sham operates was examined in two experimental situations. Half
of each group had been treated with 300 mg^,kg of P-Chlorophenylalaninc (PCPA)
for 3 successive days before surgery, and half were given control injections of
saline during this period. In the first group- locomotor, rearing, and grooming
were observed over a 2-⅛eek period posιoperatively in an open field. In the
second group, rats were tested on the acquisition of a passive avoidance task 2
weeks after surgery. Animals with hippocampal damage became hyperactive in
the second week oftesi∣ng. but no reduction in this activity was produced by the
drug administration. Rearing was initially depressed in animals with hippocampal
damage- and PCP∕∖ facilitated its recovery but decreased the rearing of intact
animals during the second testing week. Grooming levels were depressed
throughout testing in animals with hippocampal damage. The PCPA treatment
reduced grooming in animals with neocortical damage. Acquisition of the passive
avoidance was impaired for groups with hippocampal damage.

There have been several demonstrations that the biochemical interven-
tion before or just after damage to the central nervous system can reduce
the usual consequences of this damage (Berger et al.. 1971, 1973: de
CastroandBalagura, 1976; Glick and Greenstein. 1974; Glick eι ul.. 1972;

'Dr. Oades' participation was made possible by a grant from ɪhe Liidwig-Vogelstein
Voundaiion. Additional support was provided by NIH Grant No. RR-()7-O2T11 to the
University of Florida.

500

1   2   3   4   >>

More intriguing information