Mouse strain differences in apomorphine-induced behavior: an empirical and methodological study.
The behavioral response to 0.5-32.0 mg/kg apomorphine was evaluated in BALB/cJ, CBA/J, and C57BL/6J mice. Dose-response curves for each component of the drug-induced behavioral repertoire were derived, and ED50 (the dose at which 50% of the subjects meet or exceed a given rating) and slope were calculated for each. This method of analysis allows for a more quantitative estimate of drug sensitivity. Although some strain differences were observed in the qualitative characteristics of the response, differences in actual drug sensitivity (ED50s) were significant only at the higher ratings.