Decrease In Spontaneous Locomotor Activity Research Articles

Behavioural changes in young ovariectomized mice via GPR30-dependent serotonergic nervous system.

Fluctuations in estradiol levels at each stage of life in women are considered one of the causes of mental diseases through their effects on the central nervous system. During menopause, a decrease in estradiol levels has been reported to affect the serotonin nervous system and induce depression-like and anxiety symptoms. However, the regulation of brain and behaviour during childhood and adolescence is poorly understood. Moreover, the role of oestrogen receptors α and β in the regulation of the serotonergic nervous system has been reported, but little is known about the involvement of G protein-coupled receptor 30. Therefore, in this study, we used an ovariectomized childhood mouse model to analyse behaviour and investigate the effects on the serotonin nervous system. We showed that ovariectomy surgery at 4 weeks of age, which is the weaning period, induced a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity during the active period and a preference for novel mice over familiar mice in the three-chamber social test at 10weeks of age. In addition, the administration of G-1, a protein-coupled receptor 30 agonist, to ovariectomized mice suppressed spontaneous locomotor activity and the preference for novel mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that childhood ovariectomy induces increased tryptophan hydroxylase gene expression in the raphe nucleus and increased serotonin release in the amygdaloid nucleus, and administration of G-1 ameliorated these effects. Our study suggests that G protein-coupled receptor 30-mediated regulation of serotonin synthesis is involved in changes in activity and social-cognitive behaviour due to decreased estradiol levels during childhood.

Gender differences in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice

In this pilot study, we set a goal of developing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in normal mice of both sexes, and compared the susceptibility, prevalence and the degree of inflammation. To assess the grade of inflammation, CIA was evaluated by a visual scale, plethysmometer score and locomotor activity. Seventeen male mice (85%) and only two female mice (10%) developed symptoms of arthritis. None of the female mice that developed arthritis were rated ‘4’ on the visual scale, while 5 male mice (29.42%) were rated with ‘4’. Only animals with a degree of inflammation of ‘4’ and ‘3’ had a significant initial decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity compared to the unaffected animals. The results from this study showed that the susceptibility to development of arthritis was significantly higher in male mice compared to females.

Methamphetamine-Induced Open Field Behavior and LD50 in Periplaneta americana Cockroaches (Blattodea: Blattidae).

Invertebrate animal studies of methamphetamine (METH) could allow for high throughput, inexpensive, and high-animal number pharmacology and toxicology studies. We hypothesized that in Periplaneta americana cockroaches, METH would increase locomotion compared to saline and produce lethality. Lethal dose, 50% (LD50) was determined with 0-1,780 µg/g (mg/kg) METH (n = 15-16/group) using logit analysis. Locomotor activity after METH (0-560 mg/kg, intra-abdominal, n = 8 per group) administration and spontaneous locomotor activity in surviving cockroaches in an open field 24 h after LD50 study doses was measured with Noldus Ethovision. The LD50 of METH was 823.1 mg/kg (more than 10-fold greater than the value in rats). There were significant decreases in spontaneous locomotor activity in surviving cockroaches after administration of 650 and 750 mg/kg METH (P < 0.05). While 100 mg/kg METH did not significantly increase METH locomotor activity relative to saline, 300 mg/kg METH significantly increased locomotor activity compared to saline (P < 0.05), and 560 mg/kg METH resulted in most of the cockroaches slowly moving around the open field in the supine position for most of the trial. In conclusion, METH produces pharmacological and toxicological effects in P. americana. The high availability, low cost, and relative ease of use of these animals makes them a potential, very accessible option for studying METH use disorder.

Disruption of metabolic, sleep, and sensorimotor functional outcomes in a female transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia globally, and the number of individuals with AD diagnosis is expected to double by 2050. Numerous preclinical AD studies have shown that AD neuropathology accompanies alteration in learning and memory. However, less attention has been given to alterations in metabolism, sleep, and sensorimotor functional outcomes during AD pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to elucidate the extent to which metabolic activity, sleep-wake cycle, and sensorimotor function is impaired in APPSwDI/Nos2−/− (CVN-AD) transgenic mice. Female mice were used in this study because AD is more prevalent in women compared to men. We hypothesized that the presence of AD neuropathology in CVN-AD mice would accompany alterations in metabolic activity, sleep, and sensorimotor function. Our results showed that CVN-AD mice had significantly decreased energy expenditure compared to wild-type (WT) mice. An examination of associated functional outcome parameters showed that sleep activity was elevated during the awake (dark) cycle and as well as an overall decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity. An additional functional parameter, the nociceptive response to thermal stimuli, was also impaired in CVN-AD mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate CVN-AD mice exhibit alterations in functional parameters that resemble human-AD clinical progression.

Anxiolytic effect of an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSalvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated in modern studies for its pharmacological activities in treatments of CNS disorders like insomnia, dysphoria. However, its application on anxiolytic effect from the ethanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMEtOH) has not yet been reported. Materials and methodsThis study investigated the anxiolytic effect of the SMEtOH using the elevated plus-maze test (EPM) and the hole-board test (HBT) with diazepam and buspirone as positive controls. Also, the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice had been investigated in the open field. Further, we have illustrated the anxiolytic mechanisms of SMEtOH with its influencing upon GABAergic and/or serotonergic nervous systems via a method that SMEtOH was co-administered with flumazenil, a benzodiazepine (BZD) antagonist, or a drug (WAY-100635), a selective 5HT1A receptor antagonist. ResultsIn hole-board test, results presented that SMEtOH increased head-dip counts and duration time. On the other hand, a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity was observed. In the EPM test, SMEtOH increased the percentage of open-arm entries and the percentage of time spent in open arms. However, when SMEtOH co-administered with flumazenil or WAY-100635, the anxiolytic effect of SMEtOH was significantly counteracted. ConclusionFrom these results, we can conclude that the anxiolytic mechanism of SMEtOH is exerted through an activation of the BZD and 5HT1A receptors.

Pharmacological studies on the antinociceptive, anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of Tinospora crispa.

Pharmacological studies were performed in mice on the methanol extract of Tinospora crispa (TC), and of its hexane (HF) and chloroform (CF) fractions. Significant antinociceptive activity was observed for TC, HF, and CF in the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking tests. Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities were assessed using the open field, hole board, and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. TC, HF, and CF demonstrated a significant decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity. They also showed an increase in the number of head-dippings in the hole-board test, suggesting decreased fearfulness. TC, and most of its fractions, showed a significant increase of the time spent in the opened arm of the EPM, indicating reduced anxiety. This study provides some support to explain the traditional use of T. crispa as a remedy for pain.

Methamphetamine-induced Locomotor Activity and LD50 in Cockroaches

Invertebrate animal studies of methamphetamine (METH) could allow for inexpensive, high throughput exploration of many variables that could be used to direct the design of future vertebrate pharmacology and toxicology studies. We hypothesized that METH would both increase locomotion compared to saline and produce dose-dependent lethality in male Periplaneta americana cockroaches. LD50 was determined with 0-1780 mg/kg METH (n=15-16/group) using probit analysis. After the LD50 study, automated behavioral analysis software interfaced with overhead cameras was used to measure spontaneous locomotor activity in surviving cockroaches in an open field. In separate experiments, METH-induced locomotor activity was measured in an open field (0-560 mg/kg, n=8/group). A 1-way ANOVA with Holm-Sidak’s multiple comparisons test was used for statistical comparisons in both locomotor studies. The LD50 of METH was found to be 738 ± 151 mg/kg (almost 10-fold greater than the value in rats). There were significant decreases in spontaneous locomotor activity in surviving cockroaches after administration of 650 and 750 mg/kg METH (P &lt; .05). While 100 mg/kg METH did not significantly increase METH locomotor activity relative to saline, the 300 mg/kg dose significantly increased this effect (P &lt; .05), and the 560 mg/kg dose resulted in the cockroaches remaining in the supine position for the majority of the trial. In conclusion, METH has pharmacological and toxicological effects in cockroaches, but they are less potent than in rodent models. Funding: Marshall University School of Pharmacy Faculty Research Seed Grant.

Accelerometric outcomes of motor function related to clinical evaluations and muscle involvement in dystrophic dogs.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle disorder characterized by primary muscle degeneration. Patients with DMD reveal progressive muscle weakness leading to ambulatory dysfunction. Novel outcome measures are needed for more sensitive evaluation of therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Multiple parameters of acceleration and angular velocity are used as efficient indicators to quantify the motion of subjects, and these parameters have been recently applied for evaluation of motor function in DMD. In the present study, we evaluated gait in a dystrophic dog model, CXMDJ, by measuring three-axial acceleration and angular velocity over the course of months. Hybrid sensors were placed on the dorsal thoracic and lumbar regions of dogs to detect a wide range of acceleration (±8 G) and angular velocity (±1000 degrees per second). Multiple parameters showed lower values in dystrophic dogs compared to wild-type (WT) dogs, and declined over the course of months. Acceleration magnitude (AM) at the thoracic region in dystrophic dogs was prominently lower compared with WT dogs, even at the age of 2 months, the onset of muscle weakness, whereas AM at the lumbar region drastically declined throughout the disease course. The angular velocity index in the vertical direction in the lumbar region increased in dystrophic dogs, suggesting waddling at the girdle. These parameters also accordingly decreased with exacerbation of clinical manifestations and a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity. The AM of dystrophic dogs was analyzed with magnetic resonance imaging to look for a correlation with crus muscle involvement. Results showed that acceleration and angular velocity are multifaceted kinematic indices that can be applied to assess outcomes in clinical trials for hereditary neuromuscular disorders including DMD.

Melatonin is a redundant entraining signal in the rat circadian system

The role of melatonin in maintaining proper function of the circadian system has been proposed but very little evidence for such an effect has been provided. To ascertain the role, the aim of the study was to investigate impact of long-term melatonin absence on regulation of circadian system. The parameters of behavior and circadian clocks of rats which were devoid of the melatonin signal due to pinealectomy (PINX) for more than one year were compared with those of intact age-matched controls. PINX led to a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity and a shortening of the free-running period of the activity rhythm driven by the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in constant darkness. However, the SCN-driven rhythms in activity and feeding were not affected and remained well entrained in the light/dark cycle. In contrast, in these conditions PINX had a significant effect on amplitudes of the clock gene expression rhythms in the duodenum and also partially in the liver. These results demonstrate the significant impact of long-term melatonin absence on period of the central clock in the SCN and the amplitudes of the peripheral clocks in duodenum and liver and suggest that melatonin might be a redundant but effective endocrine signal for these clocks.

Evaluation of imidacloprid-induced neurotoxicity in male rats: A protective effect of curcumin

The present study was carried out to evaluate the neurotoxic effect and biochemical alteration as a result of imidacloprid (IMI) exposure and potential protective role of curcumin (Cur) against it in rats. Rats were administered with IMI (45 and 90 mg/kg body weight; orally) and Cur (100 mg/kg body weight; orally) alone and in combinations for the period of 28 days. Significant decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and pain threshold were observed in animals treated with the IMI, while the effect was attenuated by the Cur co-treatment. Acetylcholinestaerase, ATPase and serum biochemicals such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as result of IMI exposure and these enzyme levels were reversed in groups treated with the Cur in IMI treatments. Also, IMI caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in antioxidant enzymes activity and non-enzymes level with increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), while Cur administration in IMI treatments restored the altered activity of antioxidant system with decrease in LPO. The IMI induced brain damage was minimized as result of Cur co-administration in rats. In conclusion, Cur restores the altered functions of biochemical markers and neurotoxicity in IMI exposed rats.

A study of motor activity and catecholamine levels in different brain regions following Japanese encephalitis virus infection in rats

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is associated with a variety of movement disorders including transient form of pakinsonian features, dystonia and miscellaneous movement disorders. The neurotransmitters have important role in movement disorders. However their role in different brain regions in relation to behavioral activities in animal model of JE is not understood. The present study was aimed to investigate the behavioral parameters, the levels of catecholamine in brain regions—thalamus, midbrain, corpus striatum and frontal cortex on 0, 10 and 20 days post inoculation (dpi) with histopathological observations. Twelve day old Wistar strain rats were inoculated intracerebrally with a dose of 3×106 pfu of JE virus. Spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and grip strength were monitored. The levels of catecholamine were estimated using HPLC-ECD and histopathological changes were observed using haematoxylin and eosine staining. A significant decrease in SLA and grip strength was observed in JEV infected rats as compared to controls on 10 and 20 dpi. The levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, and serotonin were significantly decreased in all the brain regions studied with respect to controls. We did not find significant recovery in catecholamine levels and locomotor activities up to 20 dpi and any significant correlation between behavioral changes and neurotransmitter levels. However histopathological studies revealed mild reduction in degree of damage on 20 dpi. The present study demonstrates the involvement of different brain regions in altered locomotor activity which may be associated with reduction in catecholamine levels in rat model of JE.

Hesr1 knockout mice exhibit behavioral alterations through the dopaminergic nervous system

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional factor Hesr1 gene (hairy and enhancer of split-related 1, also called Hey1/HRT1/CHF2/HERP2) has been identified and characterized as a member of the subfamily of hairy/Enhancer of split, and shown to be involved in cardiovascular and neural development. We report that HESR1 binds directly to a part of the 3' non-coding region of the human dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene and represses the endogenous DAT1 gene in HEK293 cells. To investigate functions of the HESR1 gene in the dopaminergic nervous system in vivo, we analyzed the expressions of dopamine-related genes in the postnatal day 0 whole brains of Hesr1 knockout mice by real-time RT-PCR analysis. Several dopamine-related genes, such as DAT, dopamine receptors D1, D2, D4, and D5, were significantly upregulated. Moreover, young adults of Hesr1 knockout mice showed a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity and a reduction in exploratory behavior or behavioral responses to novelty in the open-field, and elevated plus-maze tests. These results indicate that the HESR1 gene is related to neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioral traits through the dopaminergic nervous system.

Overweight and Metabolic and Hormonal Parameter Disruption Are Induced in Adult Male Mice by Manipulations During Lactation Period

Neonatal manipulations (10 min of maternal separation plus s.c. sham injection, daily for the first 21 d of life) determine overweight in male adult mice. In this work, we investigated the mechanisms underlying mild obesity and the alteration of caloric balance. Neonatally manipulated mice become overweight after onset of maturity, showing increased fat tissue and hypertrophic epididymal adipocytes. Increase in body weight occurs in the presence of a small increase in daily food intake (significant only in the adult period) and the absence of a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity, while the calculated caloric efficiency is higher in manipulated mice, especially in adulthood. Fasting adult animals show hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperleptinemia. Soon after weaning and in the adulthood, plasma corticosterone and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) are also significantly increased. Thus, neonatal manipulations in nongenetically susceptible male mice program mild obesity, with metabolic and hormonal alterations that are similar to those found in experimental models of diabetes mellitus, suggesting that this metabolic derangement may have at least part of its roots early on in life and, more interestingly, that psychological and nociceptive stimuli induce these features.

Behavioral and neurochemical effects on rat offspring after prenatal exposure to ethanol

The work studied behavioral and neurochemical alterations in 21-day-old pups, from both sexes (26 g on average) born from female Wistar rats administered daily with ethanol (0.5 or 4.0 g/kg, p.o.), for 30 days before mating, and throughout their gestational period. Ethanol administration continued from delivery up to weaning. The open field, elevated plus maze and forced swimming tests were used to evaluate effects of ethanol on locomotion, anxiety and depression, respectively. Binding assays were used to identify dopaminergic (D1- and D2-like) and muscarinic (M1 plus M2) receptors. Results of the plus maze test indicated significant and dose-dependent increases in the number of entrances in the open arms and in the time of permanence in the open arms, in the prenatally ethanol-exposed offspring, as compared to controls, indicating an anxiolytic effect. In the open field test, this group presented decreases in spontaneous locomotor activity as well as in the occurrences of rearing and grooming. Offspring also showed dose-dependent increases in their immobility time in the forced swimming test, characterizing despair behavior. Decreases in the hippocampal (D2: 32%; D1: 25%) and striatal (D2: 30%; D1: 52%) dopaminergic binding were detected in ethanol-exposed offspring. On the other hand, significant increases were observed in muscarinic binding in the hippocampus (40%) as well as in the striatum (42%). This study shows evidence that in utero ethanol exposure produces a long-lasting effect on development and pharmacological characteristics of brain systems that may have important implications in behavioral and neurochemical responsiveness occurring in adulthood.

Motor impairment induced by oral exposure to methylmercury in adult mice

The effects of oral exposure to methylmercury chloride (MeHg) on locomotor control and activity in adult mice were investigated in the present study. MeHg was diluted in drinking water (0, 20 and 40 mg/L – as methylmercury chloride) and locomotion (spontaneous locomotor activity) and motor impairment tests (beam walking, footprint and clasping) were performed at 7, 14 and 21 days after the beginning of the treatment. MeHg exposure caused a significant decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity and this effect was dose- and time-dependent. Significant dose- and duration-dependent increases in beam walking latency were observed following chronic MeHg exposure. Furthermore, dose- and duration-dependent locomotor deficits on footprint coordination were also observed. Taken together, these results show that MeHg-induced impairment on locomotor activity is not limited to exposures that take place during neural development. We discuss the possible relationship between our findings and the similar clinical signs observed in adult humans exposed to MeHg.

Effects of CGS 10746B on hyperactivity and place preference induced by morphine

The effects of CGS 10746B, a dopamine release inhibitor, on spontaneous locomotor activity, morphine-induced hyperactivity, acquisition of conditioned place paradigm and morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) was evaluated in male mice. In experiment 1, animals treated with CGS 10746B (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 32 mg/kg), morphine (40 mg/kg) or morphine (40 mg/kg) plus CGS 10746B (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 32 mg/kg) were placed in an actimeter during a period of 90 min. In experiment 2, animals treated with CGS 10746B (0.5, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg), morphine (40 mg/kg) or morphine (40 mg/kg) plus CGS 10746B (0.5, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) were conditioned following a procedure unbiased in terms of initial spontaneous preference. In experiment 1, it was found that a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity was produced between 0 and 45 min after administration of 24 and 32 mg/kg of CGS 10746B. In contrast, morphine induced hyperactivity between 45 and 90 min after administration. CGS 10746B reduced morphine-induced hyperactivity with doses of 2 mg/kg and higher. In experiment 2, CGS 10746B did not produce any effect on place conditioning but blocked morphine-induced CPP with doses from 1 mg/kg upwards. Our results confirm that an intact dopamine neurotransmission is critical for the manifestation of the motor and place preference conditioning effects of morphine.

Suggestive evidence for inhibitory effects of galanin on mesolimbic dopaminergic neurotransmission

The objective was to examine effects of galanin rat on forebrain monoamine synthesis and on spontaneous locomotor activity in the rat. The rate of monoamine synthesis was estimated by measuring the accumulation of l-DOPA and 5-HTP, following inhibition of cerebral aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase by means of NSD-1015 (100 mg kg −1 i.p.), after i.c.v. or intracerebral administration of galanin in adult male Wistar rats. Spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in an automated open-field arena (≈0.5 m 2). The i.c.v. administration of galanin (0.5–5.0 nmol bilaterally) produced a dose-dependent, statistically significant, increase in DOPA accumulation throughout the neostriatum, and in the olfactory bulb, indicating an increase in the rate of DA synthesis. No increase was observed in brain areas where noradrenaline is the predominant catecholamine, such as the neocortex or the ventral hippocampus. In addition, there was a tendency for an increase in 5-HTP accumulation in the dorso-lateral neostriatum and in the accumbens. The same i.c.v. administration of galanin produced a dose-dependent, and statistically significant, decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity. The effect on forebrain DA synthesis could also be produced by local bilateral application of galanin (2×1 nmol) into the ventral tegmental area, but not the nucleus accumbens (2×2 nmol). There were no effects on forebrain DOPA or 5-HTP accumulation by the local application of galanin into the locus coeruleus, or into the dorsal raphe nucleus. It is concluded that the neuropeptide galanin modulates forebrain dopaminergic neurotransmission. The effect appears to be mediated at the somato-dendritic level of the meso-neostriatal pathway, and could perhaps be utilized to normalize perturbations ascribed to dysfunction in this neuronal pathway, such as schizophrenia.

Preferential inhibition of dizocilpine-induced hyperlocomotion by olanzapine

This study examined the putative inhibitory effect of the atypical antipsychotic, olanzapine, on dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced stereotypy and hyperlocomotion. Dizocilpine (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent increase in both stereotypy and hyperlocomotion. Pretreatment with olanzapine (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) inhibited the dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg)-induced hyperlocomotion but not the stereotypy. At the higher doses (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg), olanzapine blocked both the stereotypy and hyperlocomotion induced by dizocilpine. Similarly, olanzapine, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, did not inhibit apomorphine (3 mg/kg)-induced stereotypy, whereas the higher dose (1 mg/kg) blocked it. We also studied the effect of olanzapine on spontaneous locomotor activity and catalepsy. Olanzapine (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) did not induce a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity but did so at the higher doses (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg). The lower doses (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) did not induce catalepsy but higher doses (2 and 4 mg/kg) induced a significant catalepsy which lasted for more than 4 h. The results thus showed that, at lower doses, olanzapine selectively inhibited behaviours mediated by the mesolimbic/mesocortical system while at higher doses it inhibited behaviours mediated by both mesolimbic/mesocortical and nigrostriatal systems. Therefore, the minimal extrapyramidal side-effects produced by olanzapine at effective doses might be due to its preferential action at the mesolimbic/mesocortical area.

A 13-week oral repeated dose toxicity study of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21), a novel drug for urinary frequency and incontinence, in rats followed by a 5-week recovery test

A 13-week oral repeated dose toxicity study of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21), a new drug for the treatment of urinary frequency and incontinence, was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats. Male and female rats were given the drug orally for 13 weeks at doses of 0 (control), 6, 30, 150 and 750 mg/kg. After discontinuation of the treatment, a 5-week recovery test was also conducted at doses of 0, 30, 150 and 750 mg/kg. Nine cases of death occurred in the 750 mg/kg group. Main pathological findings in these cases were congestion and edema in lung. Mydriasis, salivation, lacrimation and a decrease in body weight or a suppression of its weight gain were seen in the 30 mg/kg group and over. Piloerection and an increase in water consumption were seen in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups. In addition, a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity, abdominal distention, unkempt fur, soft stool, diarrhea and decreases in feces and food consumption were seen in the 750 mg/kg group. Ophthalmologic examination confirmed mydriasis and lacrimation in the 30 mg/kg group and over. Urinalysis showed decreases in Na+ and K+ excretions in the 30 mg/kg group and over, an increase in urinary protein in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups, and a decrease in urine volume in the 750 mg/kg group. Hematological examination showed decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups, and a decrease in lymphocytes in the 750 mg/kg group. Blood chemical examination showed an increase in total protein in the 30 mg/kg group and over, a decrease in triglyceride in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups, and an increase in BUN in the 750 mg/kg group. Pathological examination disclosed hepatocellular hypertrophy caused by hyperplasia of smooth-ER in the 30 mg/kg group and over, and a decrease in number of glycogen granules in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups. Stimulated thyroid follicles were seen in the 30 mg/kg group and over. Increases in incidence and severity of chronic progressive nephropathy were observed in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups. Ultrastructual features of the renal lesions were swelling and foot process loss of the glomerular epithelial cells, absorption droplets in the glomerular epithelial cells, increase of lysosomes in the proximal tubular cells and hyaline casts in the tubular lumen. Adrenocortical hypertrophy was seen in the 150 and 750 mg/kg groups. In the 750 mg/kg group, a decrease of hematopoietic tissue in bone marrow and thymic and testicular tubular atrophy were observed. The recovery test showed that the above-mentioned changes were satisfactorily reversible or the degree and frequency of these changes were lowered. No treatment-related effects were seen in the 6 mg/kg group. These results show that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of NS-21 is 6 mg/kg for 13-week oral toxicity in rats.

Effects on locomotor activity after local application of (+)-UH232 in discrete areas of the rat brain.

The preferential dopamine autoreceptor, and slightly D3 preferring, antagonist (+)-UH232 (cis-(+)-(1S,2R)-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-(n-dipropylamino) tetralin) increases locomotor activity and synaptic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and striatum after systemic administration to the rat. As shown in this study, (+)-UH232, was unable to produce an increase in locomotor activity measured for 60 minutes after local administration into the terminal or somato-dendritic regions of the mesolimbic dopamine pathways or into the lateral ventricle. Instead, a dose dependent decrease of spontaneous locomotor activity after local application (0.05-50.0 nmol/side) of (+)-UH232 into the nucleus accumbens, was seen. A similar reduction in locomotor activity was produced by the classical dopamine antagonist raclopride. Analysis of the dose*time interactions on locomotor activity did, however, indicate that there is a significant dose*time interaction after local application of (+)-UH232 into the lateral ventricle and VTA. Raclopride, on the other hand, produced only a weak time dependent effect in the VTA. The potential problem of Leao's spreading depression in micro-injection experiments were considered, however, spreading depression does not seem to influence the effects of (+)-UH232 locally applied into the nucleus accumbens. In conclusion, both (+)-UH232 and raclopride produced a dose dependent decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity when examined as the total activity count over 60 minutes after local application into the N Acc.