Related Experiment Videos
Pilocarpine-induced reciprocal hindlimb scratching in mice
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Intrathecal pilocarpine in mice causes dose-related hindlimb scratching, indicating spinal cord muscarinic receptor involvement. Neurokinin and serotonin pathways may also play a role in this response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Spinal Cord Research
Background:
- Pilocarpine is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist.
- Understanding drug-induced behaviors can elucidate neural pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of pilocarpine-induced reciprocal hindlimb scratching.
- To determine the site of action and receptor involvement of pilocarpine's effects.
Main Methods:
- Administered pilocarpine intrathecally (IT), intracerebroventricularly (ICV), and subcutaneously in mice.
- Dose-response studies were conducted for pilocarpine administration.
- Antagonism studies involved co-administration of pilocarpine with various receptor antagonists (atropine, methysergide, substance P, neurokinin B antagonists).
Main Results:
- Intrathecal pilocarpine produced a dose-related reciprocal hindlimb scratching response.
- ICV and subcutaneous administration of pilocarpine were less effective than IT administration.
- The scratching response was antagonized by atropine, methysergide, substance P, and neurokinin B antagonists, but not by yohimbine, phentolamine, or naloxone.
Conclusions:
- Pilocarpine-induced scratching is mediated spinally via muscarinic receptors.
- Neurokinin and potentially serotonin pathways are implicated in this pilocarpine effect.
- The spinal cord is a key site for pilocarpine's behavioral effects.