The modulation of head-twitch behaviour by drugs acting on beta-adrenoceptors: evidence for the involvement of both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors.

Drugs selective for either the beta 1- or beta 2-adrenoceptor have been investigated for their effects on the head-twitch behaviour induced by L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) in mice. All four agonists, dobutamine and prenalterol (beta 1-), and salbutamol and procaterol (beta 2-), potentiated the effect of L-5-HTP although they were ineffective in inducing the head-twitch when administered alone. The corresponding antagonists, practolol and metoprolol (beta 1-) and butoxamine and ICI 118,551 (beta 2-), were without effect on the L-5-HTP head-twitch. The antagonists each significantly reduced the effect of the corresponding agonists but, while butoxamine and ICI 118,551 were inactive against dobutamine and prenalterol potentiation, both practolol and metoprolol reduced the effect of salbutamol and procaterol. Thus it is argued that dobutamine and prenalterol potentiation is due to an action at beta 1-adrenoceptors, while at least a component of the potentiating effect of salbutamol and procaterol is exerted through beta 2-adrenoceptors. The lack of effect of the antagonists alone is discussed.