The effect of interference in catecholamine biosynthesis on captivity-induced jumping stereotypy in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus).

The level of the captivity-induced jumping stereotypy in bank voles was significantly decreased by 150 and 200 mg/kg alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine and increased by 200 mg/kg L-DOPA while 20 and 40 mg/kg fusaric acid had no effect. None of the other movements were affected by these drugs (as measured by a general activity meter), except for a nonsignificant decrease after treatment with fusaric acid. These results suggest that cerebral dopaminergic neuronal systems and not noradrenergic neuronal systems are involved in the expression of that stereotypy in bank voles.