The behavioural effects of a novel substance P analogue following infusion into the ventral tegmental area or substantia nigra of rat brain.

Journal article

The behavioural response following infusion of a novel, stable substance P (SP) analogue, DiMe-C7, into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of rats was characterized and contrasted with the response to an equal dose of the parent compound SP. DiMe-C7 produced a longer-lasting behavioural stimulation than SP as evidenced in several behaviours, including locomotor activity, wet dog shakes, rearing and grooming. DiMe-C7-induced locomotor activity and rearing were potentiated by concurrent peripheral administration of D-amphetamine and blocked by pretreatment with haloperidol. Such responses to DiMe-C7 may thus be dependent upon dopaminergic activity. When given immediately following VTA infusion of DiMe-C7, morphine decreased, while naloxone had no effect upon most behavioural measures. The effect of methysergide on DiMe-C7 or SP into the substantia nigra reticulata produced a pattern of responses similar to nature to those produced by VTA infusion but different with respect to time course. These findings suggest that DiMe-C7 is a metabolically stable analogue of substance P which manifests prolonged actions on behaviour when centrally administered. Further, a role for central dopaminergic mechanisms is implicated in DiMe-C7-induced behavioural action.

Authors: Eison, A; Eison, MS; Iversen, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Brain research
• Volume: 238
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 137-152
• Publication date: 1982-04-01
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(82)90777-6
• EISSN: 1872-6240
• ISSN: 0006-8993
• Language: English
• Keywords: Animals; Rats; Peptide Fragments; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid; Motor Activity; Behavior, Animal; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Opioid; Substantia Nigra; Substance P; Male; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Dopamine; Tegmentum Mesencephali