Low doses of haloperidol interfere with rat tongue extensions during licking: a quantitative analysis

Behav Neurosci. 1992 Apr;106(2):386-95. doi: 10.1037//0735-7044.106.2.386.

Abstract

Orolingual dyskinetic effects of haloperidol were studied in rats trained to lick drops of water from a force-sensing disk. Haloperidol dose-dependently decreased force of tongue protrusion, decreased lick duration, increased interlick interval, and decreased number of licks. Fourier methods showed that haloperidol, in doses as low as 0.06 mg/kg, slowed the lick oscillations from an average of 5.250 Hz to 5.096 Hz (p = .014). Lick force was modulated by water drop delivery, but this effect was not influenced by haloperidol, which suggests no interference of the drug with sensory regulation of licking. The drug-induced deficits in tongue force may be manifestations of either postural alterations (pseudoparkinsonism) or orobuccolingual dyskinesias or both. Orolingual motor impairments may account for some of the neuroleptic-engendered behavioral decrements that have previously been explained in terms of reward, motivational deficits, or both.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drinking Behavior / drug effects*
  • Haloperidol / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Reaction Time / drug effects
  • Receptors, Dopamine / drug effects*
  • Tongue / innervation*

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine
  • Haloperidol