Mating behavior and brain biogenic amine concentrations in chickens treated with parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA).
Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on the male mating behavior of a line of chickens genetically selected for low mating frequency and to determine the effect on brain concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Mating behavior was not affected by moderate levels (less than 64 mg/kg) of PCPA, and decreased significantly when higher levels (100 mg/kg) of the drugs were administered. Results suggest that elevated brain serotonin titers were not causing the low mating frequency associated with the selected line. Birds receiving higher levels of PCPA exhibited a lethargy which persisted for approximately ten days after withdrawal of the drug. Serotonin, DA, and NE were all significantly reduced in the brains of birds receiving PCPA (30 mg/kg).
D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002645:Chickens; D003307:Copulation; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D010134:Fenclonine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012701:Serotonin; D010134:Fenclonine; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine