Oral administration of haloperidol at clinically recommended doses elicits smaller parkinsonian effects but more tardive dyskinesia in rats

The present study was designed to monitor extrapyramidal symptoms [EPS] elicited by the oral administration of haloperidol at clinically recommended doses and to compare it with EPS produced when the drug is injected intraperitoneally at doses used in animal research. Rats injected with haloperidol at a dose of 1 mg/kg daily for 5 weeks exhibited akinesia in an open field and impaired motor coordination. Effects of the drug on motor coordination but not on open field akinesia were attenuated gradually from 2-5 weeks of treatment. Oral administration of haloperidol in drinking water at clinically recommended dose exhibited decreased exploratory activity without producing akinesia. Motor coordination was impaired maximally after 3 weeks and tolerance was developed in the drug induced motor impairment after 5 weeks of treatment. Intensity of vacuous chewing movements [VCMs] and tardive VCMs was greater by oral administration than intraperitoneal injections of haloperidol. The present results showed that oral administration of haloperidol expected to produce sustained effect may result in tolerance in acute parkinsonian like effects but more intensity of tardive dyskinesia. We suggest that drugs which may helpful in alleviating tardive dyskinesia may be more useful if person is on oral drug therapy

Perception of academic examination stress: effects on serum leptin, cortisol, appetite and performance

Background: Examination stress is a psychological stress that activate hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical [HPA] axis to increase circulating levels of glucocorticoids. The fat derived hormone leptin is also released in response to stress-inducing condition. To workout the role of leptin and cortisol in response to perceived levels of examination stress and their effects on academic performance. The present study was designed to monitor the relationship of self reported perceived levels of examination stress on serum levels of cortisol and leptin in female students going to appear in university examination. Methods: Fifty-six female undergraduate students participated in the study. Examination stress, appetite levels were assessed by a questionnaire and blood samples were collected one hour before appearing in the examination. Performance was evaluated from the marks obtained in that particular examination. Results: Serum cortisol levels increased with an increase in the intensity of perceived examination stress. Serum leptin levels increased only in the group under moderate stress while increases in mild and severe stress group were not significant. Mild to moderate stress enhanced performance but severe stress decreased it. Conclusions: The present study shows an inverted U-shaped relationship between self reported different levels of perceived examination stress and academic performance. Keywords: Academic Stress, Cortisol, Leptin, Appetite, Performance