Abstract
The behavioural effects of the dopamine (DA)-β-hydroxylase inhibitor bis-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl)-disulfide (FLA-63), (12–48 mg/kg s.c.), were investigated using an operant conditioned behaviour: Differential Reinforcement of Low rates (DRL). The effects of FLA-63 on the timing behaviour induced by the DRL schedule were similar to the effects of (+)-amphetamine, and consisted of a shortening of the interresponse times. It is suggested that a timing behaviour like DRL might be a suitable model for testing the ability of different drugs to induce stereotyped behaviour. The results indicate that central DA plays an important role in the behavioural changes observed.
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This work was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (B72-14X-155-08A), Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Gothenburg. For a generous supply of FLA-63 we thank Astra, Södertälje. The skilful technical assistance of Mrs. Ulla Axelsson is greatly acknowledged.
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Ahlenius, S., Engel, J. Effects of a dopamine (DA)-β-hydroxylase inhibitor on timing behaviour. Psychopharmacologia 24, 243–246 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403644
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403644