Control of turning behavior under apomorphine by sensory input from the face

It has been shown that peripheral manipulation of sensory input by removal of vibrissae on one side of the rat's face induces turning behavior which is directed towards the contralateral vibrissae-intact side, under the influence of the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine. In the present experiment, we examined whether rats under apomorphine turn towards the side with more sensory input, or simply away from the manipulated side. Thus, an experimental manipulation was designed to increase sensory input. Sensory stimulation was applied by attaching a clip into the fur on one side of the face. Rats injected with apomorphine in doses of 0.5-5.0 mg/kg (but not with 0.05 mg/kg or vehicle) exhibited turning behavior towards the side of the clip. This sensory stimulation was also found to influence spontaneous behavioral asymmetries. These results show that an imbalance in sensory input is sufficient to produce turning under apomorphine.