Korean J Psychopharmacol.  2002 Jun;13(2):113-119.

Effects of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) Inhibitor on MIL801-elicited Behaviors in Rats

• Suh KW
• Baek SY
• Chung YI

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor on MK-801-elicited behaviors in rats in an attempt to elucidate the participation of NO in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and to identify the possibility of NOS inhibitor's antipsychotic property.
METHODS
Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300g, were given MK-801 in order to know behavioral changes induced by MK-801. Next time, animals were pretreated with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) as a NOS inhibitor and haloperidol before administration of MK-801, respectively. Separate behavioral rating scales were introduced for quantifying MK-801-induced locomotor activity, stereotyped behaviors and ataxia in order that these behaviors might be assessed independently. Animals were observed for 30 seconds and scored once every 10 min. during a period of 1 hour.
RESULTS
1) Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were significantly increased by MK-801 in rats. 2) Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were significantly diminished by pretreatment with haloperidol. 3) Locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were also significantly diminished by pretreatment with L-NA.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that NO may, in part, mediate behavioral changes induced by MK-801, and that inhibitors of NOS may have antipsychotic action.

Keyword

Nitric oxide(NO); Schizophrenia; Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; MK-801

MeSH Terms

Animals
Ataxia
Dizocilpine Maleate
Haloperidol
Humans
Male
Motor Activity
Nitric Oxide Synthase*
Nitric Oxide*
Rats*
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Schizophrenia
Stereotyped Behavior
Weights and Measures
Dizocilpine Maleate
Haloperidol
Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide Synthase