[Pharmacoethological analysis of the action of beta-carbolines].

The ethological spectrum of four beta-carbolines was studied for intraspecific aggression, sociability integration and individual behavior. It was established that beta-carboline-3-carboxyethyl ether given at subconvulsant doses increases aggression, lowers sociability as a diazepam antagonist. Diazepam reduces aggression and increases sociability. It is suggested that benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the integration of interspecific sociability and aggressive behavior of the "attack" type. Aggression of the defence type has no inhibitory beta-carboline control (1-methyl-6-methoxy-dihydro-beta-carboline). The differences in the ethological spectra of beta-carbolines have been demonstrated.