[Damage to the catecholaminergic system causes a slowing in the formation of early behavioral reactions in rats].

Influence of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on catecholaminergic brain system and development of early behavioural patterns was studied in 1-20-days-old Wistar rats. After 6-OHDA neonatal injection the number on catecholaminergic terminals in deep layers of pons-medulla was considerably reduced while the number of catecholaminergic neurons was 2-3 times increased. Damage of catecholaminergic innervation of the forebrain of rats was shown to cause a delay in development of washing behaviour, searching activity and disturbance of orientation in new environment.