Hyperuricemia and locomotor activity in developing rats.

This research was motivated by the previous finding that serum uric acid levels correlate with symptoms of hyperactivity in normal children. We attempted, therefore, to investigate this relationship in an animal model. Dose and time relationships between allantoxanamide-induced heightened serum uric acid and locomotor activity were investigated. A dose- and time-dependent relationship was shown between serum uric acid levels and allantoxanamide. Those doses of allantoxanamide which elevated serum uric acid produced time-dependent changes in locomotor activity. In the first two hours following injection, activity increased relative to controls, in the next two-hour block activity decreased, only to rise again above control levels in the third two-hour period. The possible role of uric acid and allantoxanamide are discussed in relation to these complex changes in activity.