Functional and biochemical effects of d- and l-amphetamine on central catecholamine neurons

Summary d- and l-amphetamine were tested for effect on turning of unilaterally striatotomized rats and effect on flexor reflex activity. Their capacity for eliciting hypermotility as well as their biochemical effectsin vivo in mice brains were also investigated. The two isomers had similar effects on flexor reflex activity and bio-chemically they were at low dose levels equipotent in releasing noradrenaline. d-amphetamine was more potent than l-amphetamine in eliciting hypermotility, turning and stereotypies. Some differences were also obtained in their respective biochemical effect on central dopaminergic mechanisms. It is concluded that the difference between d- and l-amphetamine in eliciting hypermotility may be due to their different effect on central dopamine neurons.