The effect of dopamine and noradrenaline blockade on amphetamine-induced behaviour in the marmoset

Acute administration of 4 mg/kg d-amphetamine in the marmoset results in a large increase in small head movements (checking), an almost total suppression of purposeful activities and social interaction, but little change in the amount of locomotion. Checking behaviour is blocked in a dose dependent manner by 0.03--0.18 mg/kg haloperidol but not by propranolol, aceperone or diazepam, suggesting dopaminergic mediation of this behaviour. The loss of activities and social interaction after amphetamine is not antagonized by any of the drugs used in this study. Locomotion is decreased by haloperidol, propranolol and diazepam in amphetamine treated animals and by haloperidol and aceperone in normal animals.