PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 6093163

Behavioral sequences as an easily quantifiable parameter in experimental studies.

B M Spruijt·W H Gispen
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

In behavioral pharmacology frequencies and/or durations of postures are used as easily quantifiable parameters. However, significant information is also contained in the sequential order of the different behavioral elements; structural changes in behavior are not necessarily reflected in the totals of durations and frequencies. Furthermore, observed changes in these parameters might be better understood if the change in structure is known. Presently, parameters for sequences are barely used, probably because they require larger groups of animals and more sophisticated computer programs. In this paper a procedure, using a simple set of computer programs (see Appendices), is demonstrated for transformation of behavioral sequences into transition matrices, including a procedure for creating the minimal number of transitions required for further statistical analysis.

Explore related subjects

Adrenocorticotropic HormoneAnimalsBehavior, AnimalComputersEthologyGroomingMalePsychopharmacologyRatsRats, Inbred StrainsSoftwareJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

B M Spruijt, W H Gispen. 1984. Behavioral sequences as an easily quantifiable parameter in experimental studies.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9384(84)90182-3

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed1996

Role of cortisol in the pathogenesis of deficient counterregulation after antecedent hypoglycemia in normal humans.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of increased plasma cortisol levels in the pathogenesis of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure. Experiments were carried out on 16 lean, healthy, overnight fasted male subjects. One group (n = 8) underwent two separate, 2-d randomized experiments separated by at least 2 mo. On day 1 insulin was infused at a rate of 1.5 mU/kg per min and 2 h clamped hypoglycemia (53 +/- 2 mg/dl) or euglycemia (93 +/- 3 mg/dl) was obtained during morning and afternoon. The next morning subjects underwent a 2-h hyperinsulinemic (1.5 mU/kg per min) hypoglycemic (53 +/- 2 mg/dl) clamp study. In the other group (n = 8), day 1 consisted of morning and afternoon 2-h clamped hyperinsulinemic euglycemia with cortisol infused to stimulate levels of plasma cortisol occurring during clamped hypoglycemia (53 mg/dl). The next morning (day 2) subjects underwent a 2-h hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic clamp identical to the first group. Despite equivalent day 2 plasma glucose and insulin levels, steady state epinephrine, norepinephrine, pancreatic polypeptide, glucagon, ACTH and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) values were significantly (R < 0.01) blunted after day 1 cortisol infusion compared to antecedent euglycemia. Compared to day 1 cortisol, antecedent hypoglycemia produced similar blunted day 2 responses of epinephrine, norepinephrine, pancreatic polypeptide and MSNA compared to day 1 cortisol. Antecedent hypoglycemia, however, produced a more pronounced blunting of plasma glucagon, ACTH, and hepatic glucose production compared to day 1 cortisol. We conclude that in healthy overnight fasted men (a) antecedent physiologic increases of plasma cortisol can significantly blunt epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, and MSNA responses to subsequent hypoglycemia and (b) these data suggest that increased plasma cortisol is the mechanism responsible for antecedent hypoglycemia causing hypoglycemia associated autonomic failure.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1996

Regulation of expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein by ACTH in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells.

Immunocytochemical studies and immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that there exists the StAR protein in bovine adrenal fasciculata cells, and ACTH activated expression of the StAR protein. Then roles of intracellular signal transduction systems in the regulation of expression of the StAR protein were studied. The addition of Bt2cAMP and forskolin, or phorbol ester plus calcium ionophore 23187 activated expression of the StAR protein as well as cortisol production, suggesting that cyclic AMP- or protein kinase C-dependent process plays a crucial role in the regulation of expression of the StAR protein. Activating effects of ACTH which activates cyclic AMP formation on the StAR protein and cortisol production were inhibited by pretreatment with calphostin C which is a protein kinase C inhibitor, suggesting that ACTH enhances expression of the StAR protein possibly via both of two signal transduction systems such as cyclic AMP- and protein kinase C-dependent processes.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1996

Differential tolerance to biological and subjective effects of four closely spaced doses of N,N-dimethyltryptamine in humans.

Tolerance of the behavioral effects of the short-acting, endogenous hallucinogen, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is seen inconsistently in animals, and has not been produced in humans. The nature and time course of responses to repetitive, closely spaced administrations of an hallucinogenic dose of DMT were characterized. Thirteen experienced hallucinogen users received intravenous 0.3 mg/kg DMT fumarate, or saline placebo, four times, at 30 min intervals, on 2 separate days, in a randomized, double-blind, design. Tolerance to "psychedelic" subjective effects did not occur according to either clinical interview or Hallucinogen Rating Scale scores. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, cortisol, and heart rate responses decreased with repeated DMT administration, although blood pressure did not. These data demonstrate the unique properties of DMT relative to other hallucinogens and underscore the differential regulation of the multiple processes mediating the effects of DMT.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗