[Genotypic differences in the metabolism of brain dopamine and in the dopamine-dependent forms of behavior in mice].

Metabolism of dopamine in striatum and the dopamine-dependent forms of behaviour of 6 inbred mice were studied. Interstrain significant differences were shown in the level of dopamine metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA), as well as in locomotor activity and climbing produced by injection of dopamine agonist apomorphine. Significant negative correlation between the level of HVA in striatum and spontaneous locomotor activity was found. Different levels of HVA and significant behavioural differences were discovered in two similar strains--BALB/c and CC57BR. According to its behavioural characteristics, DBA/2 should also be considered among the most interesting.