The effects of environmental isolation on behavior and regional rat brain tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase activities

Regional brain levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase were determined in rats isolated for intervals of up to 16 days. The activity of midbrain and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase was found to be elevated in the isolated rats when compared to grouped controls. In contrast, septal tr...
Ausführliche Beschreibung

Regional brain levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase were determined in rats isolated for intervals of up to 16 days. The activity of midbrain and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase was found to be elevated in the isolated rats when compared to grouped controls. In contrast, septal tryptophan hydroxylase activity was significantly reduced and midbrain tryptophan hydroxylase remained unchanged. Animals isolated for as little as 5 days were found to exhibit an increased level of spontaneous motor activity. In addition, amphetamine-induced behavioral excitation appeared to be additive with that produced by isolation. Ausführliche Beschreibung