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Circadian variation in an amphetamine induced motor response
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|December 1, 1977
Summary
D-amphetamine induced head-shaking in young rats shows significant daily changes. These variations, lowest at noon and highest at midnight, are crucial for neuropharmacological testing.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Chronobiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- D-amphetamine is a stimulant affecting neurotransmitter systems.
- Head-shaking is a behavior observed in rodents following stimulant administration.
- Diurnal variations in physiological processes are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diurnal variations in D-amphetamine induced head-shaking behavior in neonatal rats.
- To determine the temporal patterns of this neuropharmacological response.
Main Methods:
- 9-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used.
- D-amphetamine was administered to induce head-shaking.
- Occurrence and duration of head-shaking were recorded across a 24-hour period.
Main Results:
- Significant diurnal variations in head-shaking were observed.
- Head-shaking was lowest around noon.
- Head-shaking peaked around midnight.
Conclusions:
- Diurnal rhythms significantly influence D-amphetamine induced head-shaking in 9-day-old rats.
- These temporal variations must be accounted for when using head-shaking as a quantitative neuropharmacological measure.
- Future studies should consider the time of day for consistent experimental outcomes.