The effects of p-chlorophenylalanine, a serotonin depletor, on avoidance acquisition, pain sensitivity and related behavior in the rat

摘要: p-Chlorophenylalanine, a potent depletor of brain serotonin, produces faster acquisition conditioned (active) avoidance response if low intensity current is used. This appears to be primarily, and perhaps solely, result the drug's action in increasing animals' sensitivity pain (electric shock). The data suggest that alteration was serotonin depletion central nervous system. compound also resulted decreased “emotional reactivity” (as measured by emotional stimulus) some spontaneous motor activity. It possible reduced reactivity produced p-ClPhe could have contributed response. drug did not affect learning ability as position habit simple T-maze (water reinforcement). activity should confused with picture sedation or tranquilization. treated animals generally appear quite normal terms gross behavior, might even somewhat more “irritable” when handled (Koe Weissman, 1966b) possibly because an increased touch well pain.