Automutilation induced by clonidine in mice

Clonidine (2-(2,6-dichlorophenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride, St155, Catapres), after administration of a single large dose, was found to induce automutilation in mice housed individually in the absence of objects to bite. This abnormal behavior was not significantly altered with chronic administration of the drug, and showed no behavior induced by the same drug in mice caged in groups.