Blocking of cholecystokinin octapeptide behavioral effects by proglumide.

An open field apparatus was used to assess the effect of proglumide, a selective antagonist of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), to block the behavioral effect of CCK-8 in rats. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of CCK-8 (0.5 to 2 micrograms) was effective in suppressing general exploratory activities and this effect was blocked by proglumide at doses of 2 to 5 micrograms administered ICV or 1 mg/kg administered subcutaneously. The effect of peripherally administered CCK-8 (10 micrograms/kg) was blocked by peripherally administered proglumide at a dose of 2 mg/kg but not by centrally administered proglumide at a dose of 5 micrograms/rat. The behavioral effect of CCK-8 was thus clearly blocked by proglumide.