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Relationship between amphetamine and environmentally induced stereotypies in pigs
E M Terlouw1, A B Lawrence, A W Illius
1Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh, UK.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Individual pigs show varied responses to amphetamine and environmental stress. These behaviors are complex and linked to brain catecholaminergic systems, suggesting differing predispositions to stereotypies.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stereotypies, or repetitive behaviors, can be induced by drugs like amphetamine or by environmental factors such as restraint and food restriction.
- Individual differences in behavioral responses are common in animal studies.
- Catecholaminergic systems in the brain are implicated in regulating behavior and responses to stimulants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between amphetamine-induced stereotypies and environmentally induced stereotypies in pigs.
- To explore individual differences in behavioral responses to amphetamine.
- To examine how physical restraint and food restriction affect these behaviors and their correlations.
Main Methods:
- Pigs were administered a standard dose of amphetamine to measure stereotypies and locomotion.
- Environmental conditions involving physical restraint and food restriction were imposed for 50 and 100 days.
- Behavioral responses, including stereotypies and locomotion, were recorded and analyzed for correlations.
Main Results:
- Significant individual differences were observed in amphetamine-induced stereotypies and locomotion.
- Amphetamine stereotypies and locomotion were negatively correlated, suggesting they are competitive behaviors.
- Environmental stereotypies (chain manipulation, drinking) showed complex correlations with amphetamine responses, changing over time.
- Amphetamine sensitivity increased after the restraint period, but correlations with environmental stereotypies were lost.
Conclusions:
- Pigs exhibit varying predispositions to developing environmentally induced stereotypies, potentially linked to brain catecholaminergic systems.
- The relationship between amphetamine-induced and environmentally induced stereotypies is complex, with qualitative differences and changing correlations.
- Increased amphetamine sensitivity post-stress may indicate stress-induced alterations in central catecholaminergic systems.