Amphetamine-elicited perseverative and rotational behavior: evaluation of directional preference

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Pharmacology

Background:

• d-amphetamine is a stimulant known to affect motor behavior.
• Previous research suggests amphetamine can induce lateralized motor responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of testing environment on d-amphetamine-induced behaviors.
• To examine the relationship between circling, direction preference, and perseveration.

Main Methods:

• Four experiments were conducted using different behavioral testing situations (circular alleyway, open field, Y-maze).
• Mice were administered varying doses of d-amphetamine.
• Behavioral responses including circling, direction preference, and spontaneous alternation were recorded.

Main Results:

• Amphetamine's effects varied by testing situation; circling was robust in an alleyway, while turn preference required higher doses in an open field.
• In a Y-maze, amphetamine reduced spontaneous alternation and increased perseverative exploration.
• Perseverative behavior was identified as a key response to amphetamine, independent of dose or directional preference.

Conclusions:

• Lateralized motor asymmetries induced by amphetamine are context-dependent.
• Rotational behavior is not solely a side preference but involves drug-induced perseveration.
• Perseverative behavior is a primary response to amphetamine, suggesting potential lateralized attentional effects.