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.
Vinader-Caerols
C.
C
Area de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de València, Ap. 22109, 46071 Valencia, Spain.
Brain
P.F.
PF
Parra
A.
A
Simón
V.M.
VM