Special Lecture・V THE INTERACTION OF INJECTED RESERPINE AND DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE OR D-AMPHETAMINE ON ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES IN A CONDITIONED APPROACH SITUATION IN THE CAT

　Numerous studies have implicated alterations in cathechol and indole amine levels in brain as a basis for the action of reserpine on the central nervous system. Injection of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), the metabolic precursor of dopamine and noradrenaline, induces temporary reversal of reserpine-induced suppression of spontaneous motor activity (Blaschko ＆ Chrusciel, J. Physiol., 1960； Carlsson ＆ Lindqvist, Acta physiol. scand., 1962；Smith ＆ Dews, Psychopharmacologia, 1962). This reversal of the effect coincides with increased levels of dopamine in brain.