Effects of dopaminergic and cholinergic drugs, naloxone and l-prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide on LSD-induced catalepsy

In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induced catalepsy, the effects of cholinergic and dopaminergic agents, naloxone and L-propyl-leucyl-glycinamide (PLG) were studied in rats. The dose-dependent (50--500 micrograms kg-1 s.c.) and time-related cataleptic response elicited by LSD was preceded by a phase of hyperexcitability. The non-hallucinogenic analogue, 2-bromo-LSD (BOL), was without effect. Both apomorphine, the dopamine agonist, and L-DOPA antagonized LSD-induced catalepsy whereas the dopamine depleting agent alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MPT) slightly prolonged the cataleptic effect. Cholinergic muscarinic receptor stimulation with pilocarpine antagonized LSD-induced catalepsy. The muscarinic antagonists, atropine and scopolamine, intensified the hyperexcitable phase and potentiated the cataleptic effects of LSD. Nicotine slightly potentiated LSD action but mecamylamine antagonized it. While pre-treatment with naloxone, the narcotic antagonist and PLG prolonged the cataleptic response, post-treatment with naloxone effectively attenuated LSD-induced catalepsy. The behavioural data are interpreted to suggest that LSD-induced catalepsy may be mediated through diminished dopaminergic and cholinergic neuronal activity and under enkephalinergic modulation. The neuroanatomical foci and exact mechanism of action remain to be delineated.

Effects of dopaminergic and cholinergic drugs, naloxone and l-prolyl-leucyl-glycinamide on LSD-induced catalepsy Journal Articles