Papaverine, drug-induced stereotypy and catalepsy and biogenic amines in the brain of the rat

Abstract The effects of papaverine on haloperiodol-induced catalepsy and apomorphine-induced stereotypy as well as brain monoamines concentrations in rats were studied. Papaverine increased cataleptogenic effect of haloperidol whilst reduced stereotypy induced by apomorphine. Slight but significant decrease in brain dopamine concentration was observed in rats treated with papaverine. The present study indicates that papaverine has influences upon dopaminergic mechanisms in the brain.