Abnormal gait sequence in locomotion after atropine treatment of catecholamine-deficient akinetic rats

Excessive, abnormal locomotion occurs after a high dose (25-50 mg/kg) of atropine sulfate to rats already akinetic due to catecholamine deficiency from intraventricular administration of 6-hydroxydopamine. This abnormal locomotion involves an abnormal gait sequence [right (R) hindleg (H), left (L) foreleg (F), LH, RF] instead of the normal gait sequence (RH, RF, LH, LF). In such animals atropine progressively (i) decreases hindleg step size, (ii) decreases arching of the trunk, and (iii) increases foreleg step size. These factors combine to change the ratio of front/hind body support. If the body stretches too far and the hindleg step is too small, a given hindleg step supports insufficient weight to remove weight from the ipsilateral foreleg; consequently, the opposite foreleg must execute the next step, producing the abnormal gait sequence. Thus, atropine affects gait sequence indirectly; it acts on at least three variables that affect how body weight is distributed and shifted during locomotion. To maintain stability during such locomotion, gait sequence is appropriately altered.