Neurochemical Correlates of Behavior. V. Differential Effects of Drugs on Approach and Avoidance Behavior in Rats with Related Changes in Brain Serotonin and Norepinephrine

摘要: For some time it has been known that the effect of an injected drug or normal metabolite on quantitatively measured behavior experimental animal depends upon a number factors, but mainly dose, as well behavioral schedule task [1, 2]. In addition, many psychopharmacological studies have published contain detailed biochemical explanations proposed mechanisms based data obtained from nonbehavioral “unrelated” experiments. Few contained both and same animal, these usually involve single schedule, such did our most recent study [3]. Measurements two more neurohumoral agents in different brain areas (rather than whole brain) animals working situations to be differentially disrupted by either injection transmitter precursor drugs should provide useful information for neurobiologist interested behavior. With data, may possible correlate changes with neurochemical changes, already done laboratory situation [3, 4, 5]. Furthermore, could basis determining whether specific system (i.e., serotonergic, noradrenergic, etc.) is involved production response (Le., approach, avoidance, etc.). We therefore decided 5-HTP, p-chloroamphetamine, tetrabenazine approach (VR40) avoidance (SS20;RS40) schedules reinforcement then measure 5-HT NE rat telencephalon stem. DA was also series. The choice three compounds administration rats following data: serotonin precursor, affects which can [6] increase levels without causing behaviorally related 7, 8]; stem additional are indicated [8]; p-chloroamphetamine causes [9] reported decrease markedly affecting [10]; [11] lower [12, 13].