Behavioral profile of the TRH analogue RX77368 in developing rats

The behavioral effects of the TRH analogue RX77368, dimethyl proline-TRH (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg IP), in 5-, 10- and 20-day-old rat pups were investigated. The peptide induced shaking behavior and increased locomotion as early as 5 days after birth. At 20 days RX77368 also produced rearing, stereotyped mounting and grooming (mainly licking and chewing of the forepaws). Additionally, RX77368 produced hypothermia and antinociception in the infant rats. These responses, which were generally, although not always, comparable with those found in adults, agree with biochemical studies showing high levels of TRH receptors in the brain and spinal cord in the first three weeks following birth.