THE INTERACTION OF NEUROLEPTIC AND MUSCARINIC AGENTS WITH CENTRAL DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEMS

The effect of muscarinic and neuroleptic agents on the turning behaviour induced by methamphetamine and apomorphine in rats with unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine has been examined. Turning towards the side of the lesion induced by (+)‐methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) was inhibited by α‐flupenthixol (1 mg/kg) and α‐clopenthixol (8 mg/kg) but not by high doses of their β‐isomers. Turning was inhibited by chlorpromazine (4 mg/kg) and pimozide (0.2 mg/kg). Thioridazine and clozapine (16 mg/kg) were ineffective. Turning in the same direction produced by scopolamine (10 mg/kg) was also inhibited by α‐flupenthixol (1 mg/kg) and pimozide (0.25 mg/kg). Turning produced by methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) was inhibited by oxotremorine (0.75 mg/kg) even in the presence of methylatropine (5 mg/kg). Turning away from the side of the lesion induced by apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg) was inhibited by oxotremorine (0.75 mg/kg) but not by thioridazine or clozapine (16 mg/kg). These results are discussed with regard to the mode of action of neuroleptic drugs in producing anti‐psychotic effects and drug‐induced Parkinsonism. 1975 British Pharmacological Society