Motor depression induced by rapid repeated transposition of rat: effect of diazepam, tranylcypromine and caffeine treatment.

Experiments were carried out in the adult males and females rats of Wistar strain (n = 80) and in the adult males and females of the genetically hypertensive rats of Koletsky type (n = 80). Total time of locomotor-exploratory activity was traced ten minutes in the great box; eight animals per group were used. In the second experimental arrangement the locomotor-exploratory activity was traced three minutes in great box, one minute in rearing box and six minutes again in the great box; eight animals per group were used. In separate groups of animals in second experimental arrangement locomotor-exploratory activity was traced under tranylcypromine (5 mg/kg), diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) and caffeine (10 mg/kg) of b.w. Motor depression induced by rapid repeated transposition of the rats from one box to the other one shows the highest level during the first, second and third minute after the last transposition (see the fifth, sixth and seventh minute in the Tables). During the fourth, fifth and sixth minute after the last transposition "rebound effect" can be found, i.e., elevation of locomotor-exploratory activity relative to the activity registered during former three minute interval. Considering the statistically significant changes in the locomotor-exploratory activity in the first, second and third minute after the last transposition, tranylcypromine in the normotensive rats of both sexes and in the genetically hypertensive rats of both sexes in all three minutes alleviates the motor depression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)