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.
Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 19 rue Tarik Bnou Ziad, Casablanca, Morocco.
A.
A
Tazi
M.
M
Farh
M.
M
Moumni
F.
F
Hakkou