Sensitization of amphetamine-stereotypy reduces plasma corticosterone: implications for stereotypy as a coping response. |
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Authors: | G Mittleman G H Jones T W Robbins |
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Institution: | Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, England. |
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Abstract: | The potential coping functions of amphetamine-induced stereotypy were investigated using a physiological index of stress or arousal, plasma corticosterone level. A series of five injections of d-amphetamine was used to enhance stereotyped behavior in control animals as well as in rats with bilateral dopamine-depleting lesions of the caudate-putamen. This regimen of amphetamine injections significantly increased stereotyped behavior and also reduced the normal elevation in corticosterone produced by treatment with d-amphetamine. This effect was apparent in both control and lesioned animals. These results support the hypothesis that amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior functions to reduce stress or arousal and additionally suggest that this effect is largely independent of underlying dopaminergic mechanisms. |
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