Abstract
This study was designed to examine the effect of acute administration of gammahydroxybutyric acid (GHB; 150-250 mg/kg, i.p), a central neurotransmissor or neuromodulator, on catalepsy behaviour in female mice. Catalepsy was measured by means of the bar test. An aluminium bar of 5 mm in diameter was placed 4 cm above the floor. Animal`s forepaws were gently put on the bar and the time it took the animal to place at least one paw on the floor was measured. If 1 min elapsed without movement, the test was interrumped. Catalepsy was evaluated 30 and 60 min after administr ation of GHB or saline (control group). The results indicated that GHB (225 and 250 mg/kg) significantly increased catalepsy of female mice, an action probably mediated by the interaction between GHBergic and dopaminergic neurons in striatum.
