EFFECT OF NORADRENALINE SYNTHESIS INHIBITION ON MOTOR ACTIVITY AND LEVER PRESSING FOR FOOD AND WATER IN RAT

In an investigation into the effects of α-methyl-paratyrosine on lever pressing for food and water, and voluntary activity, it was found that the drug could inhibit lever pressing for food at doses of 25 mg/kg upwards. Marked tolerance appeared, however, to this effect. Lever pressing for water and wheel running activity were much less consistently affected at all dose levels. The duration of action of the effect on food intake of an initial dose of 100 mg/kg corresponded approximately to the duration of tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition brought about by this drug. © 1969.