Patient and Caregiver Experience of Hospital Discharge from an Acute Medicine Unit via the Discharge Lounge: A Qualitative Case Study.

Discharge lounges enable the swift movement of patients imminently awaiting hospital discharge, to free beds without delay. This Qualitative Yin-Style Case Study describes the patient and caregivers experience of transition from an Acute Medicine Unit (AMU) to a discharge lounge and staff perspectives, as organisers of this process. Audiorecorded, interviews and focus groups were undertaken. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. Lack of patientcenteredness in moving patients to the discharge lounge emerged with three themes: 'moving the problem'; 'being moved' and 'feeling removed'. Patients were transferred at accelerated speed. Communications between staff, patients and carers were abruptly curtailed. Patient transfer from AMU to a discharge lounge is a transitional stage in the acute discharge process and must be adequately communicated.

Histopathological and electrophysiological indices of rotenone-evoked dopaminergic toxicity: Neuroprotective effects of acetyl-L-carnitine.

Exposure to the natural pesticide, rotenone, a potent mitochondrial toxin, leads to degeneration in striatal nerve terminals and nigral neurons. Rotenone-induced behavioral, neurochemical and neuropathological changes in rats mimic those observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, protective effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in the brain dopaminergic toxicity after a prolonged exposure to rotenone were evaluated using electrophysiological and immunolabeling methods. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected i.p. with rotenone alone (1 mg/kg) or rotenone with ALC (either 10 or 100 mg/kg; ALC10 or ALC100, respectively) once daily on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31, 33 and 37. Control rats received either 100mg/kg ALC or vehicle (30% Solutol HS 15 in 0.9% saline) injections. Animals were weighed on injection days and monitored daily. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) was assessed within two days after treatment using compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) detected from the tail muscle through surface receiver electrodes installed around the distal part of the tail. Rats were perfused immediately after testing with 4% paraformaldehyde and immunohistochemical analysis of dopamine transporter (DAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and microglial CD11b marker was performed in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) in order to estimate dopaminergic neuronal and transporter damage. Additionally, effects of ALC on preventing microglial or astrocytic hypertrophy were also evaluated. In rats exposed to rotenone and rotenone/ACL10, a significant increases in both proximal (S1) and distal (S2) motor latency and a decrease in MCV were detected in tail nerves (p<0.05). The conduction parameters in rats co-treated with rotenone/ACL100 were not different from control. It was found that 100 mg/kg ALC prevented loss of TH and a decline of DAT level in the midbrain and also prevented the activation of both microglia and astroglia after rotenone treatment. Data indicate neuroprotective effects of ALC in rotenone-evoked dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

Propentophylline increases striatal dopamine release but dampens methamphetamine-induced dopamine dynamics: A microdialysis study.

While there are currently no medications approved for methamphetamine (METH) addiction, it has been shown that propentofylline (PPF), an atypical methylxanthine, can suppress the rewarding effects of methamphetamine (METH) in mice. This experiment studied the interactions of PPF with METH in striatal dopaminergic transmission. Herein, the impact of PPF (10-40mM, intrastriatally perfused (80min) on the effect of METH (5mg/kg, i.p.) on striatal dopamine (DA) release was evaluated using brain microdialysis in Sprague-Dawley adult rats. METH was injected at the 60min time point of the 80min PPF perfusion. The extracellular levels of DA and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). PPF induced a concentration-dependent increase in DA release beginning 30min after the onset of PPF perfusion. DA peak levels evoked by 40mM PPF were similar to those induced by 5mg/kg METH i.p. Only the highest concentration of PPF decreased the METH-induced DA peak (circa 70%). The significant decreases in extracellular levels of DOPAC and HVA evoked by METH were partially blocked by 10 and 20mM PPF. Although 40mM of PPF also partially blocked the METH-induced DOPAC decrease, it completely blocked HVA depletion after a transient increase in HVA levels in METH-treated rats. Data indicates for the first time that while PPF increases presynaptic striatal DA dynamics it attenuates METH-induced striatal DA release and metabolism.

Striatal dopamine in the response of brain and liver unsaturated and saturated free fatty acids following administration of C75 in CD-1 mice.

In order to clarify the mechanism of action of cerulenin analog, C75, known to suppress feeding behavior, food intake was measured in adult CD-1 male mice n=5 per group, treated i.p. with 10 and 20mg/kg of C75. Animals in both treatment groups had significantly lower 24h food consumption rate relative to the control group injected with vehicle. Striatal monoamine neurotransmitters and striatal as well as liver long chain free fatty acids concentrations were subsequently evaluated in another group treated i.p. with 20mg/kg C75. Acute exposure to C75 at 20mg/kg led to approximately 50% increase in the striatal dopamine levels and a decrease in dopamine turnover for up to 24h following the injection. The concentration of serotonin remained unchanged. Concentration of saturated fatty acids in the liver and striatum did not change, while striatal unsaturated myristoleic acid (cis-9-tetradecenoic acid) levels were significantly higher as early as 2h post-injection and remained elevated at 24h post-injection. These preliminary data suggest a central regulatory role of unsaturated fatty acids under dopaminergic control in the C75-induced anorexia. Pharmacological alterations in fatty acid metabolism may prove beneficial in the treatment of obesity.

How newly qualified mental health nurses perceive their role.

This paper reports a follow-up study of 11 mental health nurses (MHNs) (from an original of 14) who were interviewed about their perception of the role of the MHN while they were still mental health student nurses (MHSNs). These participants perceived the MHN to perform a variety of roles, implementing ward administration, offering physical and psychological interventions, administering drugs and teaching. However, some MHNs were reported to function outside the boundary of professional practice in the form of alleged malpractice, non-involvement or negative approach to care. This study addresses the research question: 'how is the role of the MHN perceived after MHSNs have made the transition to MHN?'. The aim of the study is to examine whether nurses have changed the perception of their role having had 6-month post-registration experience. This information will inform the training of MHNs and identify possible problems with the way in which the function of the mental health nurse is organized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 MHNs at least 6 months post registration. Transcripts were analysed using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. Analysis of the interviews with post-registration MHNs produced four main themes: transition, role ambiguity, lack of support and a theory-practice gap. Our conclusion is that there was no drastic change to participants' pre- and post-registration perception in that the role of the MHN is ambiguous by virtue of their engagement in a variety of tasks. However, post-registration participants were more able to articulate rationales for their role vis-à-vis the practical realities of the clinical areas.

Serum levels of albumin, triglycerides, total protein and glucose in rats are altered after oral treatment with low doses of 13-cis-retinoic acid or all-trans-retinoic acid.

Currently used to treat severe acne, 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA) is under investigation for its anticancer effects as is the isomer, all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA). Here, the effects of oral 13-cis-RA or all-trans-RA treatment on serum chemistry, leptin and adiponectin levels were evaluated. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged once daily for 7 consecutive days with 13-cis-RA (7.5 or 15 mg kg(-1)), all-trans-RA (10 or 15 mg kg(-1)) (n=24/sex/dose), or soy oil (n=16/sex) and blood was sampled 30-480 min after the last gavage. The body weight was unaffected; however, the liver/body weight ratios were increased by both doses of all-trans-RA. Sex differences were noted for levels of cholesterol, creatine, triglycerides, albumin, alanine aminotransferase and total protein. Both doses of all-trans-RA reduced albumin levels to approximately 90% of the control and total protein levels to approximately 93% of the control while substantially elevating triglyceride levels to approximately 66%-99% above the control. Additionally, triglyceride levels of the 15 mg kg(-1) 13-cis RA group were approximately 62% higher than the controls and total protein levels were approximately 5% less. Glucose levels were affected by sex and RA treatment in that males treated with 15 mg kg(-1) of 13-cis-RA or 10 mg kg(-1) all-trans-RA had lower (13%-19%) levels than the same-sex controls; however, females were not similarly affected. Neither 13-cis-RA nor all-trans-RA treatment had significant effects on the levels of blood urea nitrogen, aspartate amino transferase, leptin or adiponectin. On a mg kg(-1) basis, all-trans-RA was more potent than 13-cis-RA. These results replicate previous findings of RA-induced increased triglyceride levels. Additionally, several new findings indicate there may be sex-specific effects of RA treatment. Finally, neither treatment appeared to alter the typical diurnal cycles of these endpoints.

Chronic oral treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) or all-trans-retinoic acid does not alter depression-like behaviors in rats.

Oral treatment with the anti-acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin, 13-cis-retinoic acid) has been associated with suicide ideation and depression. Here, depression-like behaviors (i.e., behavioral despair and anhedonia) were quantified in adult Sprague-Dawley rats gavaged daily beginning at postnatal day (PND) 82 with 13-cis-RA (7.5 or 22.5 mg/kg) or all-trans-retinoic acid (10 or 15 mg/kg ). Tested at PND 130-131 in the Forced Swim Test, 7.5 mg/kg 13-cis-RA marginally decreased immobility and slightly increased climb/struggle durations whereas neither all-trans-retinoic acid group differed from controls. Voluntary saccharin solution (0.03%) intake at PND 102-104 and PND 151-153 was not different from controls in any treated group, although all RA-treated groups had lower intakes. Swim speed in a water maze at PND 180 was similar across groups, indicating no RA-induced differences in physical ability. Open field activity was mildly decreased at PND 91 in 7.5 mg/kg-treated males only, but it was within the control range at PND 119, 147, and 175. Thus, at serum levels similar to those in humans receiving the drug, chronic 13-cis-RA treatment did not severely affect depression-like behaviors in rats. These data do not substantiate the hypothesis of 13-cis-RA-induced depression.

'I feel totally at one, totally alive and totally happy': a psycho-social explanation of the physical activity and mental health relationship.

This paper reports findings from a qualitative investigation into the relationship between physical activity and mental health from the experiences of participants on exercise referral schemes. A grounded theory methodology was adopted which used focus groups and semi-structured interviews with participants from three exercise referral schemes in England. Schemes were representative of different types within the UK, and included a local authority leisure centre, a private health club and a local authority leisure centre scheme with organized countryside hikes. Pre- and post-exercise referral intervention focus groups, and interviews with purposively sampled individuals, were undertaken. Eighteen people participated and interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed. A conceptual framework emerged, and provides a psycho-social explanation for the physical activity and mental health relationship from the perspectives of the participants' who experienced it. The explanation of the relationship from this perspective identifies the core category 'self-acceptance', and the importance and interrelationship of context-related factors (such as social support and the physical environment), for the elicitation of positive experiences for people on exercise referral schemes. Investigating participant's experiences within the social contexts of exercise referral schemes provides an understanding about whether schemes have the potential to influence the mental health of referred patients.

Mental health student nurses' perception of the role of the mental health nurse.

Clear role definition is essential for directing the focus of nurse education and several studies have attempted to define the role of the mental health nurse (MHN). These, however, came to the conclusion that mental health nursing was difficult to articulate. The aim of this study was to understand how, during their transition to first level registration, mental health student nurses (MHSNs) perceived the role of the MHN. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 MHSNs during the last 6 months of their transition to MHN. Transcripts were analysed using a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. Six key themes were identified, five of which were defined mental health nursing roles. The sixth theme related to non-therapeutic intervention on the part of some MHNs. Several areas of concern were identified. First, MHSNs expected to conduct more psychologically based interventions than were achievable in practice. Second, emphasis on drug administration can lead to a conflict of interest in the nurses' advocacy role with patients. Third, MHSNs sometimes observed poor role models in their placements, which could have a negative impact on the way in which future MHNs view the role of the MHN.

Acute changes in dopamine release and turnover in rat caudate nucleus following a single dose of methamphetamine.

Acute changes in dopamine (DA) turnover were studied in the caudate nucleus (CN) of adult male rats between 0-24 h after a single injection of Methamphetamine (20 mg/kg, ip). A single dose of METH-induced an increase in DA turnover [(DOPAC + HVA)/DA] concomitant with an acute DA release followed by transient DA and DOPAC depletion in the rat CN.

Correlation of blood cholinesterase levels with toxicity of sarin in rats.

The dose-mortality response curve for sarin when administered to pregnant rats is extremely steep. The pregnant animal either died during the treatment or survived with no observable fetal toxicity. Animals that died displayed many symptoms characteristic of anticholinesterase toxicity. The present study was conducted to determine whether the maternal deaths, clinical observations, and/or weight loss could be correlated with baseline blood cholinesterase levels in individual animals. Cholinesterase levels (plasma and erythrocyte) were obtained prior to, during, and following treatment of nonpregnant rats by gavage with 380 microg/kg/d sarin for 10 d. After the first dose, there was a drop in the plasma cholinesterase levels, which then remained low throughout the dosing period. There was a statistically significant correlation between body weight loss and plasma cholinesterase levels of the sarin dosed animals. The surviving animals also had lower plasma cholinesterase levels and lower body weights, both of which recovered on the cessation of dosing. The erythrocyte cholinesterase levels were not different between treated and nontreated rats. Neither plasma or erythrocyte baseline cholinesterase levels nor relative or absolute cholinesterase decline values could be used as predictors of mortality from sarin administration in rats.

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) regulates cocaine-induced dopamine increase and immediate early gene expression in rat brain.

The neuropeptide C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the primary biologically active natriuretic peptide in brain. Using in situ hybridization, the present report demonstrates that CNP regulates egr-1, c-fos and junB immediate early gene expression in rat brain. In the frontal cortex, CNP induced immediate early gene expression whereas it inhibited dose-dependently the cocaine-induced early gene expression in the dopaminergic projection fields nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen. CNP may produce its effect directly on dopaminergic neurons because we found that its receptor, guanylyl cyclase GC-B, was expressed in the mesencephalon where dopaminergic neurons originate, as well as in their projection fields. The inhibition by CNP of the early gene expression elicited by cocaine in the caudate-putamen is correlated with a CNP-evoked decrease in cocaine-induced rise in extracellular dopamine, measured by in vivo microdialysis experiments. The significance of the inhibition of cocaine-induced dopamine release and early gene induction by the endogenous peptide CNP is demonstrated by data indicating that CNP reduced the cocaine-induced spontaneous locomotor activation. By inhibiting dopaminergic neuronal activity, CNP represents a potential negative regulator of related behavioural effects of cocaine.

An evaluation of l-ephedrine neurotoxicity with respect to hyperthermia and caudate/putamen microdialysate levels of ephedrine, dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate.

l-Ephedrine is an active ingredient in several herbal formulations with a mechanism of action similar to amphetamine and methamphetamine. However, its potential to damage dopaminergic terminals in the caudate/putamen (CPu) has yet to be fully evaluated. The studies here used in vivo brain microdialysis experiments to determine the systemic doses and extracellular brain levels of l-ephedrine necessary to produce similar increases in CPu extracellular dopamine and marked hyperthermia that were previously shown necessary for amphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. At an environmental temperature of 23 degrees C, a single 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal (ip) dose of l-ephedrine produced marked hyperthermia (>/= 40 degrees C), peak microdialysate ephedrine levels of 7.3 +/- 1.2 microM, and a 20-fold increase in microdialysate dopamine levels. Twenty-five mg/kg produced a lesser degree of hyperthermia, peak microdialysate ephedrine levels of 2.6 +/- 0.4 microM, and a 10-fold increase in dopamine levels. Three doses of 40 mg/kg given at 3-h intervals or 4 doses of 25 mg/kg l-ephedrine given at 2-h intervals were compared with 4 doses of 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine given at 2-h intervals. Multiple doses of either ephedrine or amphetamine caused severe hyperthermia (>/= 41.3 degrees C) but striatal tissue levels of dopamine 7 days after dosing were reduced only 25% or less by ephedrine compared to the 75% reductions produced by amphetamine. The increases in CPu microdialysate levels of serotonin produced by either 4 x 25 mg/kg l-ephedrine or 4 x 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine did not significantly differ, but elevation of dopamine levels by d-amphetamine were over 2-fold times the level caused by l-ephedrine. Microdialysate glutamate levels were elevated to the same extent by either 25 mg/kg l-ephedrine or 4 x 5 mg/kg d-amphetamine. l-Ephedrine may not be as neurotoxic to dopaminergic terminals as d-amphetamine, because non-lethal doses of l-ephedrine do not sufficiently increase the CPu dopamine levels within nerve terminals or the extracellular space to those necessary for a more pronounced long-term dopamine depletion.

Declines in stimulated striatal dopamine release over the first 32 h following microdialysis probe insertion: generalization across releasing mechanisms.

In a recent paper [R.R. Holson, J.F. Bowyer, P. Clausing, B. Gough, Methamphetamine-stimulated striatal dopamine release declines rapidly over time following microdialysis probe insertion, Brain Res. 739 (1996) 301-307] we reported that methamphetamine-stimulated striatal dopamine release declined rapidly over the first eight hours following microdialysis probe insertion. This decline was strictly a function of time post-probe implantation, and not due to tolerance or desensitization. To further examine this phenomenon, we subjected rats to three brief pulses of several DA-releasing compounds at 2, 4 and 6 h post-probe insertion, and compared these results to those caused by a single pulse 6 h post-insertion, or in some cases to pulses given more than 24 h post-insertion. We found that when buproprion, a dopamine reuptake blocker, was infused briefly into the striatum via the microdialysis probe, there was a pronounced drop in the amount of dopamine released at 6 h vs. 2 h post-insertion; this drop was not due to repeated exposure, since dopamine release at 6 h post-insertion was the same for a single pulse, or when preceded by two earlier pulses. Twenty-four hours later, buproprion-stimulated dopamine release was still lower, but did not appear to drop further thereafter. Potassium-stimulated dopamine release, on the other hand, dropped rapidly over the first 8 h post-insertion, and this decline continued throughout the 24-32 h interval post-insertion. Similarly, a single i.p. injection of 0.5 mg/kg haloperidol released three times as much dopamine when given two compared to six hours post-implantation. Both bupropion- and potassium-stimulated dopamine release were accompanied by declines in extracellular DOPAC concentrations, and these declines were the same 2 or 26 h post-insertion. In contrast, haloperidol exposure increased extracellular DOPAC, and this haloperidol-stimulated DOPAC increase was also greatly attenuated at 6 compared to 2 h post-insertion. We conclude that there is a general decline over time post-probe implantation in the ability of the striatal dopamine system to release dopamine, and perhaps to increase dopamine synthesis, in response to pharmacological challenges.

Parental accounts regarding the physical punishment of children: discourses of dis/empowerment.

OBJECTIVE: In the light of the psychological literature (e.g., Bettleheim, 1987) which indicates various contradictions surrounding the talk about and practice of the physical punishment of children (PPC), the main aim of the present study is to identify and examine the rationale(s) used by parents which bolster(s) PPC. METHODOLOGY: Data collection--semistructured interviews carried out with 10 parents (nine female, one male). Data analysis--discourse analysis (e.g., Potter & Wetherall, 1987), a form of qualitative data analysis which is sensitive to the range and complexity of accounts (or discourses) presented by participants. Hence, we explore the various (often conflicting) discourses deployed by parents while talking about PPC, an approach which has not been used before in the study of parental discipline. RESULTS: Various oppositional discourses were used by the parents, each of which implies diverse justifications and consequences. Four in particular were identified--PPC as (1) pedagogic (educational). (2) cathartic (need relief); (3) individualistic (power assertion); (4) cyclical (reproduction)--and five instances of contradiction explicated with reference to the particular discursive context. CONCLUSION: Much confusion and complexity regarding PPC is evident from parental talk which is marked by discursive variation and contradiction. These discursive collisions notwithstanding, the participant's discourse generally implies the oppressive positioning of children and, consequently, offers support for physical punishment. The study also highlights the utility of discourse analysis as a method for interrogating PPC--and indeed other phenomena related to child abuse and neglect.

Methamphetamine-stimulated striatal dopamine release declines rapidly over time following microdialysis probe insertion.

To investigate changes in striatal dopamine release over a series of brief methamphetamine (METH) exposures, METH was pulsed three times at 2-h intervals, with the first exposure occurring 2 h after microdialysis probe insertion. Whether METH was administered directly into the striatum via the microdialysate (20 microM of METH for 10 min), or via peripheral intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection (1 mg/kg METH, i.p.), the dopamine (DA) peak elicited by the third METH exposure was only 50% as large as that elicited by the first exposure, 4 h earlier. This decline in the magnitude of METH-induced DA release probably continued over at least 24 h, since the magnitude of a single peak 26 h after probe implantation was only one-seventh of that at 2 h. This reduction in the response to METH was a function of time post-probe insertion, and not of prior METH exposure. Thus, peak size was the same at 6 h post-implantation in animals which received two prior METH pulses or no prior METH pulses, and in both cases this 6-h peak was substantially lower than that at 2 h post-implantation. Circadian influences were also excluded as a factor, because size of the initial METH-induced DA peak did not vary as a function of time of probe implantation. It is concluded that METH-stimulated striatal DA release declines rapidly over time post-probe insertion. When METH exposures occur repeatedly at short intervals, this decline can mimic, but is not caused by, desensitization or depletion in response to prior METH exposure.

Nitric oxide regulation of methamphetamine-induced dopamine release in caudate/putamen.

A possible role for NO modulation of dopamine (DA) release in the caudate/putamen (CPU) during methamphetamine (METH) exposure was investigated using in vivo microdialysis in rats. Inclusion of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors NG-nitro-L-arginine (NOARG), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or D-NAME (less potent inhibitor) in the microdialysis buffer prior to METH minimally affected basal levels of DA, DOPAC or HVA in CPU microdialysate. However, L-NAME and NOARG produced concentration-dependent decreases of up to 64% (100 microM) in CPU DA levels in microdialysate during exposure to four doses of METH (5 mg/kg i.p./2 h), with lesser effects on DOPAC or HVA. Reversal of the NOARG inhibition was produced by inclusion of 500 microM of either L-arginine or L-citrulline in the microdialysate. D-NAME (100 microM) minimally affected levels of DA or metabolites. Paradoxically, inclusion of from 20 to 2 microM of the NOx generators isosorbide dinitrate (ISON) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in the microdialysis buffer decreased DA and DOPAC levels in microdialysate during METH exposure. This paradox might result from the concentrations of NOx produced by SNP or ISON being great and not regionally specific resulting in inhibition of DA release and/or synthesis while the NO generated endogenously during METH exposure may have localized and site-specific actions. Alternatively, NOx may inhibit NOS or other enzymes in the NO synthesis pathway, thereby reducing levels of an intermediate (other than NO) which potentiates DA release. In their entirety, our results indicate that NO generation in the CPU may augment the release of DA during METH exposure.

Drug-induced circling preference in rats. Correlation with monoamine levels.

Drugs of abuse, such as phencyclidine (PCP), methamphetamine (METH), and cocaine (COC) are known to affect several behaviors in rats, such as motor activity, stereotypy, and circling. In this study, we evaluated whether these drugs produce circling preferences in the presence or absence of unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions of the caudate nucleus. Adult male CD rats were lesioned with 10 micrograms 6-OHDA/site. Animals were dosed with PCP (15 mg/kg, ip) its congener (+) MK-801 (0.15 mg/kp, ip), METH (2 mg/kg, ip) COC (60 mg/kp, ip), or apomorphine (0.2 mg/kg, ip). Circling preference was recorded in control and lesioned rats for 2 h before animals were sacrificed to determined monoamine levels by HPLC/EC. In control animals, administration of these drugs produced 60-70% left circling. In lesioned animals, these drugs produced 78-90% ipsilateral (toward the lesion) circling, except apomorphine, which produced 60-80% contralateral (away from the lesion) circling. Dopamine (DA) and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentrations significantly decreased ipsilaterally in lesioned caudate nucleus (CN) and substantia nigra (SN). However, no significant changes were observed in nucleus accumbens (NA) and olfactory tubercles (OT). These data demonstrate that drugs of abuse like PCP, its congener (+) MK-801, METH, and COC produce a greater preference to turn toward the left than the right, a finding similar to that found in human psychosis. Since 6-OHDA lesions enhanced the circling bias and depleted DA and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA, it also suggests that the dopaminergic system may be involved in the circling behavior.

Amphetamine levels in brain microdialysate, caudate/putamen, substantia nigra and plasma after dosage that produces either behavioral or neurotoxic effects.

Extracellular levels of d-amphetamine (AMPH) in caudate/putamen were determined using microdialysis and HPLC quantitation after s.c. doses that produced increased motor activity (1 mg/kg), stereotypic behavior (2.5 mg/kg) or dopamine depletion in the caudate/putamen (4 x 5 mg/kg). In 6-mo-old rats exposed to neurotoxic doses of AMPH sulfate (4 x 5 mg/kg in a 23 degrees C environment), extracellular caudate/putamen AMPH rose to levels of 7.9 +/- 0.9 microM after the first dose and peaked at 15.1 +/- 2.5 microM after the third dose with no further increases after the fourth dose. After one or three doses of 5 mg/kg, peak plasma and tissue levels of AMPH were 1.7 +/- 0.2 and 2.9 +/- 0.3 microM in plasma, 36 +/- 6 and 73 +/- 10 in substantia nigra and 25 +/- 4 and 50 +/- 8 in caudate/putamen, respectively. Caudate/putamen extracellular AMPH levels were about three times higher (in either 6- or 12-mo-old rats) after 4 x 15 mg/kg in a 10 degrees C environment and tissue levels in caudate/putamen and substantia nigra were three to five times higher after three doses of AMPH. However, these higher levels did not produce dopamine depletion in the caudate/putamen, while the lower doses (4 x 5 mg/kg) given at 23 degrees C did. Estimated caudate/putamen extracellular AMPH levels of 2.5 to 5 microM after single doses (1 and 2.5 mg/kg) that caused hyperactivity and stereotypic behavior are compatible with the 2 to 10 microM AMPH concentrations reported to be necessary to produce pronounced dopamine release in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prenatal dexamethasone or stress but not ACTH or corticosterone alter sexual behavior in male rats.

Prenatal maternal stress in rats and mice can demasculinize and feminize the sexual behavior of adult male offspring. Causal mechanisms are unknown, but one attractive hypothesis is that stress activation of maternal adrenal glucocorticoid secretion is the responsible agent. To test this hypothesis, pregnant rats were exposed to a variety of substances which enhance glucocorticoid actions. These included ACTH (20 IU of a gel preparation, SC once daily), corticosterone (CORT; 7 mg/kg SC in oil, three times daily), or dexamethasone (DEX; 0.1 mg/kg, SC once daily). Controls included noninjected dams and a positive stress control group (restraint under bright lights three times daily). All treatments reduced maternal weight gain, DEX most potently. No treatment altered litter size, stillbirths, or sex ratio, but DEX reduced weight at birth, an effect still seen at postnatal day 85. DEX, CORT, and stress reduced male adrenal weight at birth, while DEX and CORT altered sexual differentiation as measured by anogenital distance. Stress impaired adult male sexual performance but not the lordosis quotient following exposure of animals to stud males. DEX affected both measures. No other treatment had any significant effect on sexual behavior. No treatment altered plasma LH levels, either basal or in response to an estrogen challenge in adult gonadectomized males. In adulthood there was no treatment effect on stress reactivity, measured behaviorally or by plasma glucocorticoids. Correlational analysis revealed that weight gain during pregnancy was the single best predictor of subsequent sexual performance. It is concluded that prenatal dexamethasone exposure demasculinizes and feminizes male offspring.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)