The effects of amphetamine, caffeine and methylphenidate on the locomotor activity of rats in an unfamiliar environment

Abstract

The effects of amphetamine, methylphenidate and caffeine were investigated on the locomotor activity of rats in a novel Y-maze situation. Parallel studies were made using locomotor wheels. Neither amphetamine nor caffeine increased Y-maze activity at doses which increased locomotor wheel activity. In contrast methylphenidate greatly increased activity in the Y-maze indicating a qualitative difference in the effects of this drug.