No abstract

Summary . The dose‐response relationship for hyperactivity in grouped mice following the injection of morphine sulphate has been established. . The activation response can be modified by drugs which affect either catecholamines or indoleamines. . The monoamine precursors l‐DOPA and 5‐hydroxytryptophan potentiate the response. . The monoamine synthesis inhibitors α‐methyl‐p‐tyrosine and p‐chlorophenylalanine reduce the response. . Inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity by pargyline caused a great increase in the response. The simultaneous administration of reserpine resulted in a further potentiation. . Reserpine blocked the response whenever it was given alone, either before, with or after the injection of morphine. . Blockade of α‐adrenoceptors with phentolamine or phenoxybenzamine reduced the response. . Blockade of tryptaminergic receptors with methysergide or cinanserin also antagonized the response. . The major tranquillizers haloperidol and chlorpromazine reduced the response. Haloperidol was especially effective in this regard. . The tricyclic antidepressant drug imipramine potentiated the response. . The morphine antagonist nalorphine completely prevented the response. . The anticholinergic agent atropine and the antihistaminic drug mepyramine did not affect the response. . We conclude that dopamine, noradrenaline and 5‐hydroxytryptamine are all involved in the normal activation response of grouped mice to morphine, with dopaminergic mechanisms being of primary importance.

In mice the activation caused by morphine was antagonized by previous treatment with lithium and was potentiated by previous treatment with rubidium. Other antimanic drugs antagonized the morphine activation as well. The effect of rubidium was similar to that of the antidepressant drugs imipramine and pargyline. Rubidium may merit clinical evaluation as an antidepressant agent in man.

Two rooms where women with puerperal psychiatric illness could be admitted together with their babies were provided in a general psychiatric unit. Over a 21-month-period demand for joint admission far exceeded capacity and most referrals could not be accepted. Women with various psychiatric disorders were referred to and managed in the unit. Greatest demand was for young women suffering from psychosis following childbirth.