The effects of (+)-SKF10047 and ketamine hydrochloride on stereotyped behaviour, locomotor activity and ataxia in guinea pig

Abstract

Although behavioural studies of the effects of (+/-)-N-allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF10047) and ketamine hydrochloride have been conducted in many species, there are no data available on their effects in guinea pig. The aim of the present study was to provide an analysis of the effects of these drugs on stereotyped behaviour, locomotor activity, ataxia and righting reflex latency in guinea pigs. (+)-SKF10047 did not produce significant stereotyped behaviour nor locomotor hyperactivity at any of the doses tested (2.5-10.0 mg/kg, i.p). While righting reflex latency was not significantly affected, significant ataxia was produced at the highest (+)-SKF10047 dose used (i.e., 10 mg/kg). The results for ketamine hydrochloride were similar. Neither significant stereotyped behaviour nor locomotor hyperactivity were produced by ketamine at either dose used (12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg, i.p). However, at the lower dose (i.e., 12.5 mg/kg), significant ataxia and a significant impairment of the righting reflex were produced.