THE INVOLVEMENT OF NITRIC-OXIDE (NO) IN THE CGRP-INDUCED BEHAVIOR OF RATS

The possible role cf nitric oxide (NO) in CORP-induced passive avoidan ce, active avoidance, and open field behavior was tested in rats. A sp ecific NO synthase inhibitor, N-omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), was use d to disrupt NO synthesis. ICV administration of 5 mu g of L-NA revers ed the action of CORP in passive and active avoidance tests. In an ope n field, L-NA prevented the action of CORP on locomotion and grooming. The inactive isomer D-NA had no effect on behavior of animals. The da ta suggest that NO might contribute to CGRP-induced behavior in rats. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Inc.