Neurochemical consequences following injection of the substance P analogue, DiMe-C7, into the rat ventral tegmental area.

The effect on forebrain catecholamine- and indoleamine-related neurochemical levels was investigated following stimulation of the rat ventral tegmental area with the substance P analogue, DiMe-C7. DiMe-C7 (6.0 micrograms) induced a marked hyperactivity in rats with maximal response between 15 and 30 min following the injection. Fifteen min following the DiMe-C7 injection levels of dopamine and/or its metabolites (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid) were significantly increased in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, entorhinal cortex and striatum relative to vehicle-injected animals. Although the increase in dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens is consistent with the behavioural hyperactivity, it is concluded that other forebrain nuclei may also be involved in the mediation of the hyperactivity response.