Benzodiazepine receptor mediation of the anxiolytic-like effect of (-)-nicotine in mice.
The anxiolytic-like effect of (-)-nicotine (1.9 mumol/kg, IP) on the elevated plus-maze in CD1 mice was blocked by the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (1 and 10 mumol/kg, IP). On the other hand, the cholinergic nicotinic channel blocker mecamylamine (1 to 15 mumol/kg, IP), did not affect the anxiolytic-like properties of diazepam in the same test. These data suggest that the reduction in anxiety induced by (-)-nicotine occurs indirectly via the release of endogenous substances that can activate the benzodiazepine receptor.
O'Neill
A B
AB
Neuroscience Research, Pharmaceutical Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, IL 60064-3500.
Brioni
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JD
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology; D005442:Flumazenil / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008464:Mecamylamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D009538:Nicotine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects*; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000187:drug effects
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D005442:Flumazenil; D008464:Mecamylamine; D009538:Nicotine; D003975:Diazepam