A comparison of cocaine and its metabolite norcocaine: effects on locomotor activity

Intraventricular and intraperitoneal administration of cocaine and its metabolite norcocaine were studied in adult male rats. Norcocaine (10-100 micrograms) had no behavioral activity following central infusion but proved to be toxic at high doses (50-100 mg/kg) when given peripherally. Cocaine at high doses (100 micrograms), produced possible hypoactivity after central injections but produced significant hyperactivity after peripheral administration (20 mg/kg).