Opiate Stimulation Increases Exploration in the Mouse

Abstract

Adult male Swiss-Webster mice were injected with a low dose of morphine sulfate or vehicle and placed in an apparatus which allowed the assessment of exploratory behavior. Two measures of exploration (rearing, nose poking) were recorded during a single brief exposure. Both exploratory behaviors increased after drug treatment. This suggests opiate involvement in behavioral arousal, and more specifically, in exploratory behavior.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard J. Katz

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.