Behavioral effects of a calcium channel antagonist: nifedipine.
A series of experiments investigated the behavioral effects of a calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine. This antagonist has facilitatory effects on learning and memory as assessed by the active and passive avoidance tests respectively. In the forced swimming test, nifedipine at a dose of 5 mg/kg had an inhibitory effect on immobilization. Finally, nifedipine (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) induced an anxiolytic effect in the water consumption test in a novel environment. These findings are discussed with respect to other findings in the same field and to the neurochemical changes known to be induced by calcium channel antagonists.
Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Casablanca, Morocco.
A
A
Tazi
M
M
Farh
F
F
Hakkou
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013550:Swimming
D009543:Nifedipine