Septum-lesioned rats in pharmacological investigations: a re-evaluation

An objective and quantitative method has been developed for measuring the hyper-reactivity of septum-lesioned rats. Twenty drugs belonging to various classes have been investigated as to their influence on this hyper-reactivity. Seventeen compounds inhibited septal hyperreactivity. One drug (methylphenidate) augmented it, while metamphetamine and physostigmine were ineffective. It has been concluded that the use of septal rats in pharmacological investigations does not fulfil expectations. The model cannot differentiate between depressants of various kinds, antidepressants, narcotics or central cholinolytics any more than do the much more simple procedures routinely used in pharmacological laboratories.