[The atypical neuroleptic concept].

Atypical neuroleptics can be defined as dopamine (DA) receptor blockers which differ from typical neuroleptics in that they have a markedly lower or absent propensity for the induction of parkinsonian side effects of tardive dyskinesias. Some of them, but not all, are also more effective in treating schizophrenic patients, i.e.

[Transcerebral electrostimulation in hypnotic drug withdrawal].

This preliminary study attempted to test the efficacy of electrosleep therapy on hypnotic drug withdrawal. Among 89 outpatients complaining of chronic insomnia and receiving a heavy hypnotic drug treatment, an efficient withdrawal associated with a marked improvement of self-reported sleep was observed in 78% of cases, especially when insomnia was not related to medical aetiologies or to major psychiatric disorders. These results suggest further controlled studies to determine the magnitude of the placebo component in the effect observed.

Habituation of exploratory activity in mice: effects of combinations of piracetam and choline on memory processes.

The effects of various piracetam + choline combinations on an experimental model of memory were investigated. Mice were given two sessions in a simple photo-cell activity cage and the decrease in activity at the second session (habituation) served as an index of retention. Retention was facilitated by post-session administration of 2000 mg/kg piracetam IP and 50 mg/kg piracetam + 50 mg/kg choline IP.

Effects of imipramine on separation-induced vocalizations in young rhesus monkeys.

Three Rhesus monkeys were removed from their mothers at birth and reared together in a group cage. When they were one year old they were subjected to repeated separations during which they were placed alone for 1 hour in another cage in an acoustically isolated adjacent room. The number of vocalizations and gross body movements were recorded automatically.

Discrimination of the amphetamine cue. Effects of A, B and mixed type inhibitors of monoamine oxidase.

Rats were trained to discriminate between the effects of 0.6 mg/kg of (+)-amphetamine given intraperitoneally saline in a two-lever operant task, according to a fixed ratio ( FR10 ) schedule of food reinforcement. Once trained (greater than 90% responding on the appropriate lever during sessions with drug and saline, respectively over 2 weeks), they were given tests of generalization with various type A, type B or mixed type monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).