Increase of self-mutilation behavior in forelimb deaf-ferented rats, following stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus

Abstract

The role of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was studied in rats which develop scratching or/and self-mutilation after deafferentation of brachial plexus. The extent of the lesions was measured in four groups of deafferented rats. Two control groups: implanted and not implanted, a group of animals in which DRN was stimulated, and a group in which it was electrolytically destroyed. We observed an increase of scratching and self-mutilation in the implanted group but overall in the stimulated group, and no change in the abnormal behavior was provoked by DRN lesion. © 1985, Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.