Effect of isolation on α-methyltyrosine-induced behavioral depression

The effect of chronic isolation on the behavioral depression induced by αMT was examined in rats. Isolated rats showed less depression of rotarod performance, locomotor activity and shuttle box avoidance after αMT than rats housed in groups of 6. Further studies on the αMT-induced depression of motor activity at various times after reserpine pretreatment indicated that the duration of isolation is also important. Isolation for 21 days modified the response to αMT, while isolation for 7 days did not. These results suggest that chronic isolation causes a change in central adrenergic activity.