Neuroleptic drug effects on average evoked response augmentation-reduction in rats

The hypothesis that one of the effects of neuroleptic medication is the induction of a reducing response in the average evoked response (AER) was explored in rats. Periodic AER recordings were made in rats receiving either haloperidol or chlorpromazine, and following the drugs discontinuance. When compared to a group of rats which received no drugs, the drug groups showed a significant trend toward increased AER reducing. This effect was delayed from the beginning of drug administration, and reached a maximum following drug discontinuation. Suggestions are made regarding the significance of these findings for further investigations into mechanisms of neuroleptic effect and mechanisms of the augmentation-reduction phenomenon of the AER.