Effects of LSD-25 and Amphetamine on a Running Response in the Rat
Archives of General Psychiatry – January 01, 1960
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Rats injected with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) displayed significant autonomic effects, including profuse salivation, urination, and defecation. Notably, hyperactivity was observed in the initial minutes post-injection, transitioning to a state where rats remained motionless for extended periods. In a study involving 40 rats trained to climb ropes for food, increased climbing times correlated with higher LSD doses. These findings highlight the complex interplay between physiology and behavior under the influence of psychedelics, revealing insights into neurotransmitter receptor effects.
Abstract
After injection ofd-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) in the rat, the animal shows symptoms of autonomic effects, such as profuse salivation, urination, and defecation. There is some indication that the somatic nervous system is also involved, since the animal exhibits hyperactivity in the first few minutes after injection, while after three to five minutes there is a tendency for all four legs to flex and the abdomen touches the floor. At this point the animal may remain motionless for long periods if permitted to stay in its living cage undisturbed. These symptoms have been observed by Winter and Flataker1and also by me. Winter and Flataker, in the same study, also observed that for rats trained to climb a rope for food reinforcement, climbing times were increased as a function of dosage levels. At the height of the drug effect some of the rats did not