Diazepam modulates the period of locomotor rhythm in mice (Mus booduga) and attenuates light-induced phase advances.
Experiments were carried out on the continuous action of diazepam (benzodiazepine) offered through drinking water in 2% ethanol on psi and tau of the activity rhythms under LD (12:12) and DD conditions. Under entraining conditions diazepam failed to evoke striking changes in psi. On the other hand, under free-running conditions period-lengthening and period-shortening effects were observed. Further experiments conducted on the continuous effect of diazepam on light pulse evoked phase shifts revealed that phase advances were attenuated significantly in diazepam-treated animals at CT 20 and 24. These results were discussed with regard to the action of diazepam on the light sensitivity of the circadian pacemaker.
Subramanian
P
P
Department of Animal Behaviour and Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, India.
Subbaraj
R
R
D000818:Animals; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice / Q000502:physiology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D018757:GABA Modulators; D000431:Ethanol; D003975:Diazepam