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Behavioural effects induced in rats and chicks by D2 dopamine agonists
1Institute of Pharmacology, University of Modena, Italy.
Physiology & Behavior
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Dopamine D2 receptor agonists induced similar behaviors in rats and chicks, suggesting these responses can indicate specific neurochemical activity in both species.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Comparative Animal Behavior
Background:
- Dopamine receptors, particularly D2, play crucial roles in regulating various behaviors.
- Understanding the behavioral effects of dopamine agonists aids in elucidating receptor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral effects of selective dopamine D2 receptor agonists and a mixed D1/D2 agonist in rats and chicks.
- To determine if behavioral responses to these agonists are conserved across species and indicative of neurochemical activity.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats and chicks were administered various dopamine receptor agonists (B-HT 920, B-HT 958, SND 919, CQ 32-084, CQP 201-403, lisuride, apomorphine) via intraperitoneal injection.
- Observed and recorded behavioral changes including penile erection, stretching-yawning, hypomotility, stereotyped behavior, sleep-like state, and stereotyped pecking.
Main Results:
- In rats, agonists induced penile erection, stretching-yawning, hypomotility, and stereotyped behavior, dose-dependently.
- In chicks, similar agonists caused hypomotility, a sleep-like state, and stereotyped pecking.
- Significant similarities in behavioral responses were observed between rats and chicks.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral signs elicited by dopamine agonists in rats and chicks show notable similarities.
- These conserved behavioral responses serve as valuable indicators of the specific neurochemical activity of dopamine-ergic compounds in both species.