title: Behavioural effects induced in rats and chicks by D2 dopamine agonists.
abstract: In a first series of experiments, different selective dopamine D2 receptor agonists (B-HT 920, B-HT 958, SND 919, CQ 32-084, CQP 201-403, and lisuride) and the D1/D2 agonist apomorphine were IP injected into adult male rats. At low doses, they elicited repeated episodes of penile erection and stretching-yawning: at all doses tested, B-HT 920, B-HT 958, and CQ 32-084 also induced hypomotility, a sign that, in the case of high doses of SND 919, CQP 201-403, lisuride, and apomorphine, was replaced by stereotyped behaviour. In a second series of experiments, the same D2 agonists and the mixed D1/D2 agonist apomorphine were IP injected at the same doses into chicks. The following behavioural signs were observed: hypomotility, sleep-like state, and stereotyped pecking. The results show that: 1. there are similarities between the behavioural effects induced by the DA agonists in rats and chicks; and 2. in both species some behavioural signs elicited by the DA ergic compounds are useful pointers to their specific neurochemical activity.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pharmacology, University of Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giuliani
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001058:Apomorphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002645:Chickens; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000187:drug effects*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D015000:Yawning / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D015259:Dopamine Agents; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D001058:Apomorphine