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Effects of drugs on schedule-controlled running of mice in a circular runway
Abstract:
Partially food deprived mice ran in a 1-m circular runway. Every 30 circuits, diluted evaporated milk was delivered. Under control conditions mice averaged 0.18 circuits/s for 1 h. The rate was reduced to 0.11 circuits/s 1 h after gavage of Tylose (cellulose derivative) vehicle. Amphetamine, chlordiazepoxide and pentobarbital increased the rate of responding over some dose range, but chlorpromazine, clozapine, imipramine and morphine caused only decreases in responding at effective dose levels. The results are generally similar to reports of effects of the drugs on responses of much briefer duration occurring at similar rates.
Insights
Mice running behavior was studied using a circular runway. Certain drugs like amphetamine enhanced running speed, while others, such as morphine, decreased it, indicating varied effects on sustained motor activity.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rodent models are crucial for understanding complex behaviors.
- Drug effects on sustained motor activity are not fully characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various pharmacological agents on sustained locomotor activity in mice.
- To determine dose-dependent effects of stimulants and depressants on running behavior.
Main Methods:
- Mice were trained to run in a 1-m circular runway with intermittent milk reinforcement.
- Locomotor activity was measured under control conditions and after administration of Tylose vehicle.
- The effects of amphetamine, chlordiazepoxide, pentobarbital, chlorpromazine, clozapine, imipramine, and morphine on running rates were assessed.
Main Results:
- Tylose vehicle administration significantly reduced the running rate.
- Stimulants (amphetamine, chlordiazepoxide, pentobarbital) increased running rates within specific dose ranges.
- Sedatives/antidepressants (chlorpromazine, clozapine, imipramine, morphine) decreased running rates at effective doses.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological agents exhibit differential effects on sustained locomotor activity in mice.
- Findings align with known drug effects on shorter-duration responses, suggesting conserved mechanisms.
- This study provides insights into drug-induced modulation of persistent motor behaviors.