Electromyographic assessment of spinal reflexes in experimentally depressed dogs treated with antidepressants.

In seven mongrel dogs the syndrome of depression was evoked by bilateral electrolytic lesions in lateral hypothalamus and/or dorsomedial amygdala. The effects of tricyclic antidepressants on general mood, spinal reflexes recorded by electromyographic method, and head rate were tested. The reactivity to most external stimuli was increased and general depression was slightly reduced.