(RS)-alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid: wet dog shakes, catalepsy and body temperature changes in rats.

(RS)-alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) was microinjected into the lateral brain ventricle of conscious rats in order to evaluate its pharmacological effects. Microinjection (5 microliter) were made unilaterally and the effects of AMPA were assessed for 6 hr. AMPA produced generalized myoclonic seizures, short lasting hypoactivity followed by hyperactivity and hyperthermia when low doses were injected (0.25-1.0 microgram). When AMPA was injected at higher doses (1.5-5.0 microgram) it produced generalized myoclonic seizures, a hypoactive phase and hypothermia rapidly followed by hyperthermia. As the seizure activity and hypoactive phase receded, AMPA at doses of less than 2.5 microgram produced hyperactivity and wet dog shakes in a dose-related manner. After receiving AMPA at doses of 2.5 and 5.0 microgram, rats developed transient catalepsy. High quantities (5.0 microgram) evoked a spectrum of generalized convulsive seizures lasting for 2-3 hr (1 seizure every 15 min). Biochemical assays showed that AMPA had complex effects on brain aminergic systems. AMPA decreased brain NA while brain DA concentration was slightly increased in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, AMPA increased brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentration in a dose- and time-related manner.