Anxiolytic activity of tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists in the mouse light-dark box.
The tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonists, GR100679 (0.02-200 micrograms/kg s.c.) and (+/-)-SR489698 (0.05-5.0 micrograms/kg s.c.), dose-dependently increased the time which mice spent in the light side of the light-dark box. There was no evidence of sedation or other over behaviours. The amplitudes of these effects were similar to that evoked by diazepam (1.75 mg/kg s.c.). These results indicate a disinhibitory action of NK2 antagonists on suppressed behaviours in a novel aversive environment. This suggests an involvement of NK2 receptors in anxiety-related behaviours.
Stratton
S C
SC
Neuropharmacology Department, Glaxo Group Research, Ware, Hertfordshire, UK.
Beresford
I J
IJ
Harvey
F J
FJ
Turpin
M P
MP
Hagan
R M
RM
Tyers
M B
MB
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003624:Darkness; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018041:Receptors, Neurokinin-2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D009842:Oligopeptides; D010880:Piperidines; D018041:Receptors, Neurokinin-2; C083380:GR 100679; C073839:SR 48968