Behavioral effects in adulthood of serotonin depletion by P-chlorophenylalanine given neonatally to male rats.
The effect in male rats of depletion of brain 5HT over days 1-7 or 8-16 after birth, by daily administration of 100 mg/kg PCPA was noted on various behaviors after the animals had reached adulthood. Treatment over days 1-7 had little or no effect, but over days 8-16 induced the following behavioral changes: In the elevated plus-maze, the treated group spent longer on the open arms, indicating a lower level of anxiety. In a test for sexual orientation, the treated animals were more sexually oriented toward the female stimulus and they showed a reduction in pendulum movements (a fear-related parameter); however their sexual performance with a receptive female was not different from the controls. The animals were also tested as residents in a resident-intruder paradigm for their social and agonistic activity. The treatment induced an increase in offensive activity confined to the high intensity elements and a parallel decrease in defensive activity. These results can be interpreted in terms of an increased reactivity to environmental and social cues and a decreased anxiety.
Farabollini
F
F
Department of Human Physiology, University Siena, Italy.
Hole
D R
DR
Wilson
C A
CA
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D010134:Fenclonine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D012701:Serotonin; D010134:Fenclonine