Effect of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) on the behavioral syndrome induced by intracerebroventricular injection of ACTH 1-24, in rats.

Stretching-yawning syndrome (SYS) and penile erections (PE) are typical components of the behavioral picture induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of ACTH 1-24. The present study shows that pretreatment with alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and irreversible inhibitor of mammalian ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), antagonizes these behavioral effects in a dose-dependent way, in rats. These results suggest that ODC and polyamines may play a role in the transduction and transmission of receptor-mediated signals.