Interactions between D-ala-met-enkephalin, A10 dopaminergic neurones, and spontaneous behaviour in the rat.

Journal article

We have investigated the interaction between opioid peptides and dopaminergic A10 (DA-A10) neurones in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The behavioural consequences of VTA infusion of d-Ala-Met-enkephalinamide (DALA) were analyzed. DALA elicited a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity measured in photocell cages and the circular corridor. Observations in the open field and in a hole box revealed that DALA-induced behavioural stimulation was characterized by enhancement of locomotion,...

Expand abstract

Authors: Kelley, A; Stinus, L; Iversen, S

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Behavioural brain research
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 3-24
• Publication date: 1980-02-01
• DOI: 10.1016/0166-4328(80)90043-1
• EISSN: 1872-7549
• ISSN: 0166-4328
• Language: English
• Keywords: Receptors, Opioid; Tegmentum Mesencephali; Rats; Exploratory Behavior; Behavior, Animal; Dopamine; Endorphins; Dextroamphetamine; Motor Activity; Enkephalins; Animals; Male; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Neurons; Rats, Inbred Strains; Enkephalin, Methionine