The effect of amitriptyline on the reorganization of the temporal dynamics of forced swimming in rats during stimulation and exclusion of the corpus striatum

: Amitriptyline (10 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks) produces reorganization of the rhythmic structure of forced swimming in rats with a decrease of the rhythmical index of depression. The antidepressant attenuates also steady behavioral shifts and the associated depression in the animals' behavior after discontinuation of prolonged electrostimulation of the striatal body. The electrolytic damage of the striatal body disorganizes temporary dynamics of swimming and these shifts are enhanced by the antidepressant. It is supposed that the specific action of amitriptyline depends on modification of pacemaker striatal function.