Abstract
It has been observed in previous research that rats treated with the dopamine receptor antagonist, pimozide, failed to eat palatable food pellets. Two possible interpretations for this effect were evaluated, namely, a reduction in the primary level of food motivation or drug-induced hypokinesia resulting in a subsequent failure to find the food. The effects of several doses of pimozide (1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg IP) on feeding in rats with or without experience eating food pellets in an experimental chamber were tested. Pimozide had little effect on feeding in rats with prior expprience whereas the drug produced a dose-dependent impairment in rats without similar experience. In addition, although the initial impairment was severe, the nonexperienced rats became more efficient at locating the food despite pimozide treatment. These results appear to rule out a primary motivational interpretation for the effect of pimozide on feeding; rather, and impairment is likely due to the drug's hypokinesia-producing properties.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
