Effect of gammahydroxybutyric acid administration on catalepsy behaviour in female mice

This study was designed to examine the effect of acute administration of ga mmahydroxybutyric acid (GHB; 150-250 mg/kg, i.p), a central neurotransmisso r or neuromodulator, on catalepsy behaviour in female mice. Catalepsy was m easured 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 a nd the time it took the animal to place at least one paw on the floor was m easured. If 1 min elapsed without movement, the test was interrumped. Catal epsy was evaluated 30 and 60 min after administration of GHB or saline (con trol group). The results indicated that GHB (225 and 250 mg/kg) significant ly increased catalepsy of female mice, an action probably mediated by the i nteraction between GHBergic and dopaminergic neurons in striatum.