Mating behavior and brain biogenic amine concentrations in chickens treated with parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA)

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on the male mating behavior of a line of chickens genetically selected for low mating frequency and to determine the effect on brain concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Mating behavior was not affected by moderate levels (less than 64 mg/kg) of PCPA, and decreased significantly when higher levels (100 mg/kg) of the drugs were administered. Results suggest that elevated brain serotonin titers were not causing the low mating frequency associated with the selected line. Birds receiving higher levels of PCPA exhibited a lethargy which persisted for approximately ten days after withdrawal of the drug. Serotonin, DA, and NE were all significantly reduced in the brains of birds receiving PCPA (30 mg/kg).