Comparative effects of hallucinogenic drugs on behavior of the cat

We have previously proposed an animal behavior model for studying the parameters and mechanisms of action of hallucinogens which inactivate the brain serotonin system. The model consists of measuring the frequency of occurrence of limb flick, abortive groom, investigatory/play, and hallucinatory-like behavior in the cat. The present experiment tested the generality of the model by investigating the effects of systemic administration of LSD, STP, psilocin, DMT and mescaline on the behavior of the cat. In support of the hypothesis, all of the compounds produced a significant increase in the frequency of occurrence of at least one of the four behaviors. Furthermore, the minimal doses necessary to produce these behavioral effects closely correspond to the relative potency of these compounds for human hallucinogenesis: LSD> STP>psilocin>DMT>mescaline.