Effect of the experimental antidepressant AHR-9377 on performance during differential reinforcement of low response rate.

The effect of acute administration of AHR-9377 on performance under a differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate 72-s (DRL 72-s) schedule was assessed. AHR-9377 reduced response rates and increased reinforcement rates of rats responding under the DRL 72-s schedule; these effects were similar to those of established antidepressant drugs. AHR-9377 also decreased the time of immobility in the forced-swimming test, an empirical model of depression. These results are consistent with the contention that AHR-9377 possesses antidepressant activity.