title: The influence of ACTH fragments on habituation of the prey catching behaviour in the European toad (Bufo bufo L.).
abstract: Earlier observations on the influence of the ACTH molecule on habituation in toads revealed a capacity, which resembles the improvement of learning and memory processes in rats [6]. In the present investigation ACTH, ACTH1-10 and ACTH11-24 were tested on habituation of turning reaction, a stereotypic component of the prey catching behaviour in the European Toad, Bufo bufo L.. Furthermore the time relationship of the ACTH-effect was determined by injections at different times prior to the beginning of the habituation. ACTH as well as ACTH1-10 caused a dramatic decline in turning reactions per minute towards a prey dummy, when administered 30 min prior to habituation. Therefore, the capacity to facilitate behavioral adaptations must be located mainly in the first ten amino acids of ACTH.
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001070:Appetitive Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D002023:Bufo bufo; D003366:Cosyntropin; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010446:Peptide Fragments; D003366:Cosyntropin; C011393:ACTH (1-10); C034016:ACTH (11-24); D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone