Locomotor activity pattern induced by diazepam in control and caffeine-treated mice.
The effect of diazepam on locomotor activity was tested by measuring the number of crossings between two compartments of a toggle-floor box, in control mice (water drinking) and in mice receiving caffeine solution (0.5 g/I) instead of drinking water. In control mice, diazepam did not produce any significant change in total activity measured on the whole 60-min test, but animals showed phases of increased activity broken by periods of immobility. After chronic ingestion (18 days) of caffeine, doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg ip diazepam significantly increased total locomotor activity. Caffeine slightly reduced diazepam-induced immobility and increased the frequency of crossings in active periods. Taken together, these two effects may explain the significant increase in total activity induced by diazepam in caffeine-treated mice. Mixed stimulatory-depressant action was also produced by 3 mg/kg diazepam, a dose that slightly decreased the total activity.
Sansone
M
M
Istituto di Psicobiologia e Psicofarmacologia, CNR, Roma, Italy.
Pavone
F
F
Battaglia
M
M
Vetulani
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D002110:Caffeine; D003975:Diazepam