The effects of amphetamine, imipramine and ICI 58,834 (Vivalan), a potential antidepressant, on unconditioned behaviour in rats.

The effects of amphetamine, imipramine and ICI 58,834 (Vivalan), on the unconditioned behaviour of rats were compared using a novelty preference test and the open field test. Overall, the effects of ICI 58,834 (Vivalan) showed a marked resemblance to those of imipramine but differed from those of amphetamine. It is suggested that an adequate explanation of these drugs' effects can be offered in terms of changes in emotional reactivity, in general activity, and in exploratory activity. A dissociation of drug effects on general and exploratory activity in the novelty preference test was demonstrated. The use of this test and the open field test in drug screening is briefly discussed.