[Effects of new nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on spontaneous locomotor activity].
BACKGROUND
New nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors: 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (3-Br-7-NI), 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole (TRIM), S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (S-Me-TC) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) reduce spontaneous locomotor activity in mice.


METHODS
In order to elucidate central effects of NOS inhibitors on locomotor activity, the influence of 7-NI on electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum in rats was investigated.


RESULTS
7-NI reduced the EEG power density in all frequency bands in rats, suggesting a depression of the central neuronal activity. The electrophysiologic power was most reduced in the range of 7-9 Hz of the rhythmic slow activity (theta rhythm), which is in accordance with decreased locomotor activity observed following administration of NOS inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
The present results indicate that nitric oxide exerts an excitatory effect on central neuronal structures involved in regulation of locomotion.
Dzoljić
Eleonora
E
Klinicki centar Srbije, Beograd, Institut za neurologiju, Medicinski fakultet, Beograd.
Nesić
Zorica
Z
Stojanović
Radan
R
Vucković
Sonja
S
Todorović
Zoran
Z
Prostran
Milica
M
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase