Behavioral effects of phencyclidine and its major metabolite, (trans)4-phenyl-4-(1-piperidinyl)cyclohexanol, in mice.

To elucidate the biological activity of natural metabolites of phencyclidine (PCP), we examined the behavioral effects of a major metabolite, the trans isomer of 4-phenyl-4-(1-piperidinyl)cyclohexanol [(trans)PPC], in mice, (Trans)PPC caused dose-related increase in locomotor activity and rearing in mice when injected intraperitoneally at the doses ranging from 10 to 30 mg/kg. (Trans)PPC at any dose tested failed to produce swaying and falling. On the other hand, PCP at the doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg caused swaying and falling as well as hyperlocomotion in a dose-related manner. These indicate that unlike PCP, hyperlocomotion and rearing may be the predominant behavioral responses to (trans)PPC in the 10-30 mg/kg dose range. Furthermore, it is feasible to surmise that not only PCP but also its major metabolite (trans)PPC is involved in psychotic reactions produced by PCP.