Comparison of the behavioral and biochemical effects of the NMDA receptor antagonists, MK-801 and phencyclidine

Hiramatsu Masayuki Hiramatsu, Arthur K. Cho, Nabeshima Toshitaka

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197 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The behavioral and biochemical effects of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate) were compared with those of phencyclidine (PCP). In the dose range used in this study, MK-801 (0.125-0.5 mg/kg i.p.) produced ataxia and other behavioral responses which were similar to PCP (5-10 mg/kg i.p.). However, turning and backpedalling induced by MK-801 were not dose-dependent and less intense at the dose producing approximately the same level of ataxia as PCP. Neurochemically, MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) increased dopamine turnover in the cortex and striatum, but had no effect on 5-HT system. It was also 3.4 times less potent in inhibiting 5-HT uptake than PCP. These results suggest that the behavioral responses induced by MK-801 involve primarily the PCP receptor and the dopamine system, and that the differences from PCP reflect a reduced effect on the 5-HT neuronal system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)359-366
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology
Volume166
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03-08-1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pharmacology

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