[The effect of calcium channel blockers on anxiety evoked by amputation of the vibrissae in rats].

The effect of diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) and calcium channel blockers on the behavior of rats in an "open field" was studied on a model of incomplete amputation of vibrissae. Diazepam, diltiazem (1 mg/kg), fendiline (1 mg/kg), and cinnarizine (1 mg/kg) stimulated motor activity of animals with amputated vibrissae. Nifedipine (0.5-5 mg/kg) and verapamil (0.5-5 mg/kg) were practically inactive in these tests. It is concluded that diltiazem, fendiline, and cinnarizine possess anxiolytic activity in this model. On the basis of the results obtained, the methods for studying the anxiolytic activity on animals are discussed.