Effets de la Chlorpromazine à Faible Dose sur le Syndrome d'Hyperactivité Induit par Stimulation Electrique de l'Aire Tegmentale Ventrale du Mesencephale chez le Rat

Abstract

Eight rats with electrodes in ventral tegmental area of mesencephalon (VTA) were used and the effects of a weak dose of chlorpromazine (CPZ) was studied on self stimulation and exploratory activity. The effects of CPZ were also studied on exploratory activity normally induced by electrical stimulation of the VTA. CPZ at 1 mg/kg inhibits self stimulation partially while inducing a hyperactive syndrome identical to that obtained by intracranial stimulation; however, this syndrome instead of increasing, disappears under the joint action of CPZ and intracranial stimulation. This suggests that this phenomenon is due to anxiolytic properties of CPZ. If so, it is suggested that stimulation of VTA causes a state of dissatisfaction. Finally, the compatibility of this hypothesis is discussed with relation to the existence of self stimulation in this area.