[Effect of methysergide on behavior of rats with various levels of corticosteroids].
The effects of methysergide (metisergid), a nonspecific antagonist of type I and II serotonin receptors, on the character of the conditional reflex, learning and behavior of male rats was studied under conditions of low versus high content of corticosteroids. It was established that methysergide improved the ability of animals to acquire and reproduce the active avoidance reflex in the test animals with a deficit of the corticosteroid hormones, while no such effects were observed in rats with increased level of these hormones. Under conditions of the corticosteroid hormone deficit, methysergide stimulated the total locomotor activity in the open field test; in the excess of corticosteroids, the drug inhibited the emotional and grooming behavior components.
Sapronov
N S
NS
Department of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, ul. Akademika Pavlova 12, St. Petersburg, 197376 Russia.
Fedotova
Iu O
IuO
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008784:Methysergide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D008784:Methysergide