The influence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors on avoidance reaction in rat.

Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitors sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC), disulfiram (DS), sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDTC), tetramethylthiuram disulfide (T) and alpha,alpha'-dipyridyl (DP) were studied for their influence on avoidance reaction in rat. These compounds were given in the doses inhibiting noradrenaline synthesis (decreasing the level of this amine in brain). They all inhibit avoidance reaction although certain differences were stated in the values of effective doses and in the power of action. DEDTC, DMDTC and DS appeared to be most effective. The results of experiments suggest that noradrenaline in brain has significant importance for the avoidance reaction in rats, similarly as it is assumed for dopamine.