Role of nitric oxide in experimental models of psychosis in rats.
Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology November 1, 2001 M Gupta, S Balakrishnan, P Pandhi
The nitric oxide precursor L-arginine reduced amphetamine-induced repetitive behaviors and haloperidol-induced movement stiffness in rats, while enhancing conditioned avoidance. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NOARG had opposite effects: it increased repetitive behaviors and stiffness but reduced conditioned avoidance. No significant difference was observed between acute and five-day chronic administration of either compound. The authors conclude that nitric oxide has contradictory effects across different psychosis models, and L-arginine may have antipsychotic potential without causing extrapyramidal side effects.