Differential attenuation by atropine and d-amphetamine on hyperactivity: possible clinical implications.

Intraperitoneal administration of physostigmine (0.025 to 0.18 mg/kg) to rats resulted in significant increases in motor activity as measured with jiggle platforms. Doses of physostigmine 0.2 mg/kg or more decreased motor activity. The physostigmine-induced hyperactivity was attenuated by atropine (5 mg/kg) given before or after physostigmine (0.05 mg/kg). On the contrary, d-amphetamine (2 mg/kg), given before or after, significantly potentiated the physostigmine-induced increase in motor activity. The relevance of the cholinergic system in mediating hyperactive behaviour in children is discussed.