An ethological analysis of the effects of diazepam and nitrazepam on the responses of female mice to anosmic males encountered in a novel arena.
The effects of acutely administered benzodiazepines have largely been validated in male animals, in spite of the fact that the majority of anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed for female patients. A study was carried out assessing the potential of female mice in the testing of the anxiolytic properties of drugs. Three doses (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0mg/kg) of the benzodiazepines diazepam and nitrazepam were given to individually-housed female Swiss mice before dyadic encounters with anosmic, group-housed males. Videotape analysis of the encounters, using an ethopharmacological technique, revealed suppressive effects of diazepam (1.0 and 2.0mg/kg) and nitrazepam (all doses) on avoidance/flee, confirming the anxiolytic properties of these drugs. However, some doses of diazepam (2.0mg/kg) and nitrazepam (1.0mg/kg), greatly increased immobility with little effect on active behavioural elements. It is suggested that "immobility" does not simply measure sedation.
Area de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Ap. 22109, 46071 Valencia, Spain.
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Vinader-Caerols
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PF
Brain
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Parra
V.M.
VM
Simón