The Role of Monoaminergic and Cholinergic Neuroactive Agents on the Behavioural Escaping Movements And Rapid Feather Shedding in Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

Abstract

Feather release in quails was within 5-50 min evoked by dopamine receptors D1/D2 agonist apomorphine and D2 agonist bromocriptine, as well as by acetylcholine muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine. Noradrenaline alpha 2-adrenergic receptors antagonist yohimbine and agonist clonidine did not evoke the feather release in quails. A low dose of atropine or apomorphine, which alone evokes low feather shedding, by its treatment in combination has induced the feather shedding corresponding to the effect evoked by the increased doses of these drugs by separate treatment. The results obtained by the treatment of apomorphine or atropine simultaneously with other neuroactive agents (clonidine, PCPA, haloperidol, atropine) have shown that dopamine receptors effect on the feather shedding was not mediated by the suppression of noradrenergic, serotonergic and cholinergic neurotransmissions and dopamine, also that noradrenaline alpha 2-adrenergic receptors were not implicated in atropine effect on feather shedding. Wi...