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Phencyclidine-induced stereotypy in rats: Effects of methadone, apomorphine, and naloxone

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Abstract

Phencyclidine (PCP) given to male Wistar rats produced hyperactivity and various stereotypic motor behaviors. Methadone, apomorphine, and naloxone were tested for their effects on PCP-induced stereotypy. Methadone (0.5 mg/kg) had not effect on the hyperactivity produced by PCP, but significantly attenuated PCP-induced stereotypy when given both before and after PCP. Low doses of apomorphine were equally effective as methadone in attenuating PCP-induced stereotypy. However, when naloxone was given after methadone or apomorphine to PCP-treated rats, the full PCP-induced stereotypy was again observed. Naloxone pretreatment in doses up to 20 mg/kg was not effective in antagonizing PCP-induced behavioral effects. Methadone and apomorphine antagonism of PCP-induced stereotypy may be mediated by opiate receptors. The results of this study and observations from human studies collectively suggest the possible effectiveness of opiates in treating PCP-induced and functional psychoses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York State Division of Substance Abuse Services, Testing and Research Laboratory, 80 Hanson Place, 11217, Brooklyn, New York, USA

    Karl Verebey, Michael J. Kogan & S. Joseph Mule

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, 11203, Brooklyn, New York, USA

    Karl Verebey & S. Joseph Mule

Authors
  1. Karl Verebey
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  2. Michael J. Kogan
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  3. S. Joseph Mule
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Verebey, K., Kogan, M.J. & Mule, S.J. Phencyclidine-induced stereotypy in rats: Effects of methadone, apomorphine, and naloxone. Psychopharmacology 75, 44–47 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00433500

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00433500

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