[Psychopharmacologic spectrum of melanostatin]

Experiments on cats revealed an emotiotropic action of melanostatin on the original spectrum of emotional reactivity, similar to the effects of L-DOPA and amantadin. The drug does not possess an antidepressant action proper but activates the aggressive-defensive behaviour in experimental reserpine depression and reduces the provocation-induced aggressive behaviour in experimental haloperidol depression. In reserpinized mice, it antagonizes reserpine hypothermia, increases muscle tone and eliminates ptosis. It decreases haloperidol-induced catalepsia. Melanostatin increases the brain level of dopamine and its metabolite, homovanilic acid.