Gardner C R, Piper D C
Eur J Pharmacol. 1982 Sep 10;83(1-2):25-33. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(82)90282-5.
On the holeboard, exploration (dipping) and locomotion of mice were enhanced by non-sedative doses of anxiolytics; clobazam, diazepam, nitrazepam and flunitrazepam. After chronic dosing the sedative effects of flunitrazepam showed tolerance and the increases in exploration remained while locomotion was less increased. Sodium valproate and to a lesser extent GAG also increased both exploration and locomotion at non-sedative doses. Muscimol, AOAA and urethane increased locomotion at threshold sedative doses with little or no increase in exploration. Baclofen only decreased behaviour. In a drinking test benzodiazepines evoked large increases in punished drinking. After chronic dosing of flunitrazepam there was a greater increase. Sodium valproate evoked a response of similar magnitude to the benzodiazepines whilst GAG evoked a smaller increase. Muscimol did not increase punished drinking. It is suggested that anxiolytic drug actions result from a more selective enhancement of brain GABA transmission.
