title: Effect of dermorphin on behavior and hippocampal electrical activity in rabbits.
abstract: Dermorphin, a naturally occurring heptapeptide that selectively binds to mu-opioid receptors, was injected intravenously 0.4 mg/kg in male rabbits. Eight days before injection the spontaneous behavior of the animals was observed in a neutral environment in the absence of external stimuli. At the same time, hippocampal EEG was recorded by telemetry. After dermorphin injection, the same experimental procedure was repeated. Behavior showed a strong increase in quiet immobility and a concomitant reduction in voluntary activities as compared to control periods. Treatment did not affect either the pattern or the frequency of hippocampal electrical activity.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Physiology, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fontani
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vergnani
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salvadori
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Voglino
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Aloisi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Portaluppi
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: degli Uberti
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009842:Oligopeptides; D018847:Opioid Peptides; C030058:dermorphin