The role of serotonin in ephedrine-induced stereotypy and hypermotility

The influence of serotonin agents on stereotypy and hypermotility induced with ephedrine was studied. P-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, had no influence on stereotypy. In reserpinized animals, this reaction was intensified only after high doses of ephedrine (100 and 120 mg/kg), but the precursor of 5-HT synthesis, tryptophan, strongly antagonized stereotypy. Ephedrine-induced hypermotility in mice and rats was potentiated by PCPA. It is suggested that serotonin ephedrine-induced effects, similarly to previous observations with amphetamine.