Behavioral effects of phenoxybenzamine administered intraventricularly in rats

Phenoxybenzamine (PNB) injected into the lateral ventricle of the brain weakens spontaneous motility of rats and antagonizes hyperactivity induced with noradrenaline, amphetamine and caffeine. Body temperature rises briefly, sleep induced with chloral hydrate is shortened, and high doses enhance amphetamine-induced stereotypy. PNB injected intraventricularly intensifies turnover of noradrenaline but it has no effect on turnover of dopamine in rat brains. The results confirm a blocking influence of PNB on the cerebral noradrenaline receptors.