BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF AMPHETAMINE ON REM DEPRIVED RATS

In the rat, moderate doses of amphetamine induce a series of stereotyped behaviors which can be modified by various treatments and drugs. We attempted to use this standard bio-assay procedure to investigate the effects of REM sleep deprivation on the awake animal. Instead of simply showing modified behaviors, the animals given amphetamine after deprivation spontaneously began to fight and show sexual behavior patterns in the total absence of any customary releasing stimuli. These results suggest an intimate relationship between REM sleep processes and instinctual behaviors. Because similar results can be obtained by alteration of cerebral amines by various drugs, the possibility is suggested that these amines are basic to the regulation of REM sleep and instinctual behavior. © 1969.