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The effect of parachlorophenylalanine on the behaviour of cats
Author(s) -
HOYLAND VALERIE J.,
SHILLITO ELIZABETH E.,
VOGT MARTHE
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1970.tb10645.x
Subject(s) - cats , estrous cycle , kitten , endocrinology , medicine , sleep (system call) , sleep deprivation , sexual behavior , physiology , psychology , circadian rhythm , developmental psychology , computer science , operating system
Summary1 . Male and female kittens and adult cats were given p ‐chlorophenylalanine orally. 2 . After treatment, some of the male cats showed mounting behaviour and the kittens and non‐oestrous females showed an increase in treading and rubbing which was similar to one aspect of pro‐oestrus behaviour. 3 . The treated animals also appeared to suffer from skin irritation and showed increased restlessness which accompanied sleep deprivation. 4 . Injection of 5‐hydroxytryptophan stopped abnormal sexual activity and restored normal sleep for about 5 hours. 5 . It is concluded that 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐containing neurones inhibit sexual behaviour in cats and that this role can be seen in male and, to some extent, also in female animals.