[Effect of a change in brain monoamine levels on reproduction of an elaborated escape reaction in rats].

An escape reaction was elaborated in Wistar rats in a shuttle box to shocks delivered to the animal's foot in a time stereotype. Single administrations of serotonin precursor--5-Hydroxytryptophane (10 mg/kg) and of catecholamine inhibitor--M-tyrosine (100 mg/kg) had a facilitating effect on this reaction. The animals' behaviour became regulated; this was manifested in a shortening of latencies. Catecholamine precursor d,l-DOPA (35 mg/kg) and serotonin inhibitor p-Chlorophenilalanine (320 mg/kg) worsened the rats' adaptive behaviour in the experimental situation enhancing their fuss movements. The latencies of the escape reactions became longer. The data presented point to a reciprocal--conjugate interaction of serotonin- and noradrenergic brain systems as well as to an antistress serotonin effect on behaviour.