Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task: A Task of Attention and Impulse Control for Rodents
Published on: August 10, 2014
Involvement of both cholinergic and catecholaminergic pathways in the central action of methylphenidate: a study
Abstract:
The effects of methylphenidate (MPH) and the cholinergic agonists nicotine and oxotremorine were tested on the spontaneous multiple unit activity in the mesencephalic reticular formation of two groups of rats. In control rats i.v. MPH (1 mg/kg), nicotine (0.125 mg/kg), and oxotremorine (0.5 mg/kg) all attenuated the unit activity with latencies of less than 10 min. In another group of rats, exposed to lead acetate since birth, the extent of attenuation of unit activity induced by MPH and nicotine was reduced and the latency of effect was delayed by 45--50 min. The latency of the oxotremorine effect was not changed but the attenuation of unit activity was more pronounced in the lead-treated group. Pretreatment with spiroperidol, to inhibit the aminergic receptors, diminished the inhibitory effect of MPH in the control group but not in the lead-treated group, whereas the attenuating effect of oxotremorine was not affected in either group. These data support our previous evidence that MPH exerts its action in the central nervous system by a cholinergic pathway in addition to published catecholaminergic pathways. Furthermore, the present findings indicate that chronic lead-exposure in rats results in cholinergic hypofunction and supersensitivity at central cholinergic receptor sites. This alteration of central cholinergic function may be partially attributed to the malnutrition observed in the lead-exposed animals.
More Related Videos
10:28Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
07:02A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
Published on: February 11, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
The direct-acting...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake