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Neurohypophyseal hormones and excessive grooming behaviour
T B Van Wimersma Greidanus1, J M Kroodsma, M L Pot
1Department of Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|October 2, 1990
Summary
Vasopressin and oxytocin trigger excessive grooming in rats. Dopamine D1 and opiate receptors, accessible via the blood-brain barrier, are implicated in this peptide-induced behavioral response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Endocrinology
Background:
- Neuropeptides like vasopressin and oxytocin influence social behaviors and stress responses.
- Excessive grooming is a complex behavior that can be modulated by various neurochemical systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific behavioral elements constituting excessive grooming induced by vasopressin and oxytocin in rats.
- To examine the modulatory effects of dopamine D1 and opiate receptor antagonists on peptide-induced grooming.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of grooming behaviors (head washing, body grooming, anogenital grooming, paw licking, scratching) in rats.
- Administration of vasopressin, oxytocin, SCH 23390 (dopamine D1 antagonist), neurotensin, naloxone, and naloxone-methobromide.
Main Results:
- Vasopressin and oxytocin induced excessive grooming, involving multiple behavioral elements.
- Oxytocin specifically increased anogenital grooming frequency.
- SCH 23390, neurotensin, and naloxone, but not naloxone-methobromide, reduced peptide-induced grooming.
Conclusions:
- The pattern of excessive grooming induced by vasopressin and oxytocin is complex and involves various components.
- Dopamine D1 and opiate receptors, accessible through the blood-brain barrier, play a role in mediating the grooming effects of these neurhypophyseal hormones.