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On the role of central noradrenaline in the regulation of motor activity and body temperature in the mouse

Summary

Inhibition of dopamine-β-hydroxylase by FLA-63 [bis-(4-methyl-1-homopiperazinylthiocarbonyl)-disulfide], 40 mg/kg, in the mouse caused decrease in motor activity, depletion of brain noradrenaline (NA) and reduction in body temperature. Injection ofd,l-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS), 1000mg/kg, restored behaviour, central NA and temperature. In the experiments nialamide, 50 mg/kg, was given 10 min after FLA-63 in order to prevent at least part of the catabolism of the NA formed from DOPS. This injection of nialamide, which by itself caused elevation of central monoamine levels, increase in motor activity but no change in temperature, did not antagonize the effects of FLA-63. The effects of DOPS were likely to be mediated via the central nervous system since injection of NA, causing sympathomimetic and biochemical effects in the periphery similar to those elicited by DOPS, did not antagonize the FLA-63-induced effects. The data support the view that central NA neurons are involved in the control of motor activity and body temperature in the mouse.

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This work was supported by the Swedish Medical Research Council (grant No. B71-14X-155-07C), the Medical Faculty, University of Göteborg and “Gustav och Majen Lindgrens donationsfond”. The skilful technical assistance of Miss Barbro Jörblad is gratefully acknowledged. For generous supply of drugs I am indebted to Hässle Ltd., Mölndal (DOPS, FLA-63) and the Swedish Pfizer Ltd., Täby (nialamide).

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Svensson, T.H. On the role of central noradrenaline in the regulation of motor activity and body temperature in the mouse. Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Arch. Pharmak. 271, 111–120 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01002176

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01002176

Key words

  • Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase Inhibition
  • d,l-Threo-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylserine
  • Motility
  • Temperature