title: The effects of d-amphetamine on the electrophysiological activity of the superior colliculus in the rat.
abstract: The superior colliculus (SC) is thought to have an inhibitory effect on arousal (and hence activity) in rats when light is present. d-Amphetamine is believed to suppress this inhibition of the SC on arousal. The present study investigated the electrophysiological activity of the SC of the rat under the influence of d-amphetamine in both light and dark conditions. A single numerical arousal index value (AI) for the electrophysiological data obtained by dividing the frequency of the waves by the voltage over a specified interval was used. Results showed that light conditions decreased the AI of the SC. The AI was, however, not affected by d-amphetamine. Also, the electrophysiological activity of the SC showed spontaneous emissions of high-voltage (600 microV) alpha waves which generally occurred in two- to four-second bursts. Occurrence of this high-voltage activity was reduced by increasing doses of d-amphetamine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work & Psychology, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003624:Darkness; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004566:Electrodes; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D003913:Dextroamphetamine