Blockade of the melatonin potentiation of tonic immobility in chickens by methysergide and cyproheptadine

Hennig, Charles W.; Harston, Craig T.; Dunlap, William P.

doi:10.1016/s0163-1047(80)90316-7

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Melatonin has long been known to have sedating and sleep-promoting effects in the mammalian CNS. Similar effects have been found in birds [Wahlstrom, 1971;Pang et al, 1976;Hennig et al, 1980;Bermudez et al, 19831, and could be instrumental in fostering the kinds of pupillary and palpebral behaviors that I have described here in House Finches.…”

Section: Comparison Of Melatonin's Effects and Those In Neuropatholo-supporting

confidence: 81%

Effects of Melatonin Implants on Structures and Behaviors of the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) Eye

Quay

1986

Journal of Pineal Research

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This study aimed to determine the extraretinal effects of melatonin upon the eyes of an avian species, the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Twelve birds (full-grown, second-year males) each received a Silastic tubing intraperitoneal implant, six containing melatonin (average release = 24 micrograms/d/bird; = M birds) and six being empty (= C birds). Microscopic study of pupillary and palpebral behaviors during the final week demonstrated lesser pupillary diameters and interpalpebral distances in M birds under all test conditions. These effects could have diminished mean light levels reaching parts of the retina. Characteristics of the relative miosis and ptosis of M birds resemble signs in some CNS disorders, such as altered inhibition of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, and especially lesions in, or lowered activity of, higher sympathetic centers (a subtype of Horner's syndrome). Weights of eyes and their parts were the same in M and C birds, contrasting with previously reported results from male Golden Hamsters, possibly due to species differences and/or preexperimental attainment of full growth in the finches. Effects of melatonin on pupillary and palpebral behaviors, demonstrated here for the first time, foster caveats for simplistic experimental designs and interpretations with melatonin when sensory-neural-behavioral interactions are affected. Quantitative changes in pupillary and palpebral behaviors may, nevertheless, provide a window for monitoring central actions of melatonin in living test subjects in chronic studies.

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Section: Comparison Of Melatonin's Effects and Those In Neuropatholo-supporting

confidence: 81%

Effects of Melatonin Implants on Structures and Behaviors of the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) Eye

Quay

1986

Journal of Pineal Research

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“…Further, it has been found that exposure to aggression and stress increases melatonin production in a number of species (Heinzeller et al 1988;Lynch and Deng 1986). Similarly, melatonin injections directly potentiate the tonic immobility reaction, a primitive defense reflex (Hennig et al 1979;Hennig et al 1980). Finally, melatonin treatment in rats enhances the release of oxytocin in response to immobilization stress (Juszczak 1998). in a therapeutic direction.…”

Section: An Unexpected Relationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Theory of Mind: Towards an Evolutionary Theory

Tsoukalas

2017

Evolutionary Psychological Science

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Theory of mind is an important mental faculty. However, despite almost half a century of research, we only have a limited understanding of its evolutionary past. The present article proposes a novel hypothesis on the origin of this unique human capacity. According to this hypothesis theory of mind descended from two, closely related, defensive reactions, namely tonic immobility and immobilization stress. Both reactions are conserved in many vertebrate species and are highly prevalent in immature individuals. They are produced by a combination of manual handling and restraint (common in many nursing activities) and implicated in the management of stressful encounters. Most importantly, they have been shown to facilitate eye-contact, gaze-following, and intentional attributions. These traits, and several others detailed in the text, make them prime candidates in the search for the origin of theory of mind. The article presents conceptual arguments and empirical facts in support of this hypothesis.

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“…This last finding is very important as direct tinkering with serotonin levels (e.g., by injection of serotonin) has led to inconsistent results with regard to immobility susceptibility and duration. It may therefore be that the duration of tonic immobility is controlled by the conversion of serotonin to its metabolites-primarily to melatonin but also 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid-and the levels of serotonin are responsible for the general susceptibility of a species to the reaction (Farabollini et al, 1984;Hennig et al, 1979Hennig et al, , 1980.…”

Section: Tonic Immobilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been found that exposure to aggression and stress increases melatonin production in a number of species (Heinzeller, Joshi, Nürnberber, & Reiter, 1988; Lynch & Deng, 1986). Similarly, melatonin injections directly potentiate the tonic immobility reaction (Hennig et al, 1979; Hennig, Harston, & Dunlap, 1980). Finally, melatonin enhances the release of oxytocin in response to immobilization stress (Juszczak, 1998).…”

Section: Auxiliary Factsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The origin of REM sleep: A hypothesis.

Tsoukalas

2012

Dreaming

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This article presents a new theory about the origin of REM sleep. REM is an integral part of the human sleep cycle and the neurological substrate most consistently associated with dreams and dream recall. According to this thesis, REM sleep evolved out of a primordial defensive reflex: tonic immobility. This reflex, sometimes also called death-feigning or animal hypnosis, is usually the last line of defense against an attacking predator. Tonic immobility, common in both vertebrates and invertebrates, has a number of neuroanatomical and behavioral attributes that overlap with those of REM sleep. This overlap is suggestive of an evolutionary kinship. The article presents conceptual arguments and empirical facts in support of this relationship.

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Blockade of the melatonin potentiation of tonic immobility in chickens by methysergide and cyproheptadine

Cited by 9 publications

References 10 publications

Effects of Melatonin Implants on Structures and Behaviors of the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) Eye

Effects of Melatonin Implants on Structures and Behaviors of the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) Eye

Theory of Mind: Towards an Evolutionary Theory

The origin of REM sleep: A hypothesis.

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