Anti-conflict effect of 5-HT1A agonists in rats: a new model for evaluating anxiolytic-like activity.

A new conflict procedure was developed to study the potential anti-punishment effects of 5-HT( 1A) agonists as compared to diazepam. In this paradigm, the opportunity existed for rats to choose during punished periods between immediate, punished reinforcement and delayed, non-punished reinforcement. The results confirm that, for non-sedative doses (1 mg/kg), diazepam increases the number of punished responses. Furthermore, the present paradigm seems sensitive for the detection of 5-HT(1A) activity. Buspirone, gepirone, ipsapirone, zalospirone and 8-OH-DPAT increased responding for immediate but punished reinforcement. 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine, the common metabolite of the azapirones, does not participate in their anti-conflict effect. NAN 190, a 5-HT(1A) antagonist, was shown to block the 5-HT(1A) agonists. The findings of the present study suggest that benzodiazepines and 5-HT( 1A) agonists reduce the capacity to tolerate delays in reward. Abnormality in serotonin systems may be associated with poor impulse control.