Evidence for antiaggressive property of some calcium channel blockers.

The effect of calcium channel blockers on foot shock induced (aggression (FSA) were studied in mice. Verapamil, (10, 20 and 40 mg kg-1 i.p.) diltiazem (20 and 40 mg kg-1 i.p.) and nifedipine (25 and 50 mg kg-1 i.p.) significantly reduced fighting episodes. Diltiazem and nifedipine blocked the amphetamine induced facilitation of FSA, while verapamil blocked both amphetamine as well as physostigmine induced facilitation of FSA. These findings suggest that calcium channel blockers possess antiaggressive activity, which may be attributed to decrease in central dopaminergic and/or cholinergic mechanism.