Spontaneous and drug-induced rotation (Circling behavior) in the mongolian gerbil ( Meriones unguiculatus)

Abstract

Eight normal gerbils were tested for spontaneous and drug-induced rotation in an automated rotometer. When tested without any drug every other day for five test sessions, each gerbil displayed significant rotation that was consistent in direction and magnitude from session to session. Apomorphine and d-amphetamine potentiated whereas haloperidol antagonized the animals' spontaneous rotational behavior. In previous work with rats and mice, drug-induced rotation has been attributed to an asymmetry in nigro-striatal function. The occurrence of spontaneous rotation in gerbils suggests that gerbils have normally a much larger asymmetry.