Diazepam and haloperidol. Effect on regional brain homovanillic acid levels.
Diazepam lowered homovanillic acid levels in brain regions from untreated and haloperidol-treated rats. However, there was evidence of a biphasic effect in that 2 mg/kg was more effective than 10 mg/kg under several conditions. Diazepam was more effective in restoring regional HVA toward control levels following doses of haloperidol in the low clinical range (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg) than following higher doses. With respect to maximizing dopamine receptor blockade and minimizing compensatory presynaptic activity in the acute treatment of psychotic conditions, our data provide some support for the use of modest doses of neuroleptics and benzodiazepines.
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, New Haven.
M B
MB
Bowers
F J
FJ
Hoffman
J B
JB
Morton
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D006220:Haloperidol; D003975:Diazepam; D006719:Homovanillic Acid