[Influence of the administration of psychopharmacological compounds on the take up time of an alimentary material in the hamster and a study of the associated behaviour (author's transl)].

The take up time of a standardized alimentary material is a simple component of hamster hoarding behaviour. This value was modified by administrations of the following compounds: diazepam, chlorpromazine, meprobamate, apomorphine, d-amphetamine, piribedil, fenfluramine, sulpiride, imipramine, phenobarbital, clonidine and morphine. The change consisted of a varying increase in the take up time, dependent upon the substance and dosage. High doses of chlorpromazine, apomorphine and fenfluramine inhibited the take up. A behavioural study connected with alimentary take up was included in the experiment. Some behavioural modifications (increase or decrease in motor activity, myorelaxation, stereotyped exploration, reciprocating movements) demonstrated differences between the studied compounds related to their pharmacological properties. The immediate consumption of food, without take up and hoarding behaviour, observed with meprobamate treatment, was an interesting and unexpected change in hamster behaviour. The measurement of the take up time and analysis of behavioural modifications may be useful in comparing and preliminary screening of new psychopharmacological compounds.