Abstract
The effects of neonatal experience can be influenced by treatment with chlorpromazine or reserpine. CPZ mitigated the effects of extra stimulation (mechanical rotation) procedures but had no effect upon non-stimulated neonates. High dosage levels of reserpine interacted with extra stimulation effects to produce neonatal mortality. Reserpine in lower dosage levels resulted in increased activity and defecation scores in both stimulated and non-stimulated Ss. Neither CPZ or reserpine affected the Ss’ responses to pressure stimulation of reflexogenous zones. Both drugs slowed the neonates’ response to “righting” themselves after being placed on their backs.
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This research was supported by Public Health Service Grant MH 08543 from the National Institute of Mental Health. I would like to thank Dr. Joachim Anschel, Warner Lamberth Research Institute, Morrisplains, N.J., for supplying the reserpine and placebo solutions used in this study.
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Young, R.D. Effect of Tranquilization of Neonatal Rats on Later Behavior. Psychol Rec 15, 401–407 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393606
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393606