Effect of Sulpiride on the Ontogenesis of Psychomotor Functions in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Scientific research has increasingly focused on studying the effects of substances on brain function. However, these studies often evaluate overall effects without identifying the specific brain regions involved in behavior control. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of sulpiride, an antipsychotic drug, on the behavior of male rats and to identify the brain areas affected by the neuroleptic (sulpiride). Methods: We used sixteen (16) female rats and eight (8) male rats for breeding. Vaginal smears were performed each morning to determine the first days of gestation. After identifying the first day of gestation using vaginal smear analyses, eight (8) pregnant female rats were assigned to the control group, while the other eight (8) pregnant rats received sulpiride treatment from the 11th day of gestation until the 10th postnatal day. On the 10th postnatal day, behavioral tests were performed on male rats from the control and treatment groups. Observations were made for 45 days. Results: The study revealed that sulpiride, a neuroleptic agent, influenced several brain regions, causing either activation or inhibition. The administration of sulpiride decreased the hind paws lifting reflex, wire-grasping time, and leap execution latency in male rats. In contrast, sulpiride increased crawling-wire latency and locomotor activity in male rats. Conclusion: Our study shows that sulpiride is a neuroleptic capable of acting on several brain areas responsible for behavior. It acts on brain areas causing either a decrease or an increase in central nervous system activity. These results provide valuable information on the specific brain regions affected by sulpiride, contributing to a better understanding of its overall impact on brain function.