Potentiation of behavioural effects of a calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine, by ipsapirone.
The synergistic effect between the 5-HT(1A) agonist ipsapirone and the calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine, was studied in animal models of anxiety and depression. Ipsapirone (1.5, 3.0 and 6.0mg/kg) dose dependently potentiated the behavioural effects of a small and ineffective dose of nifedipine (2.0mg/kg) in the two experimental paradigms. This potentiation was revealed by a decrease in immobilisation time in the forced swim test (antidepressant-like effect) and by an increase in water-consumption in a novel environment (anxiolytic-like effect). The data obtained are discussed in terms of the neurochemical effects of ipsapirone on the serotonergic system, and the possible interaction between nifedipine and this system.
Tazi
A.
A
Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 19 rue Tarik Bnou Ziad, Casablanca, Morocco.
Farh
M.
M
Moumni
M.
M
Hakkou
F.
F