Dose-related effects of propericiazine in rats

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of the neuroleptic agent propericiazine on animal models of anxiety and memory. Adult male Wistar rats (250 to 350 g) received intraperitoneal injections of propericiazine (0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), saline, or diazepam vehicle (20% propylene glycol and 80% saline) 30 min prior to the experimental procedure. Animals (10-15 for each task) were tested for step-down inhibitory avoidance (0.3-mA footshock) and habituation to an open-field for memory assessment, and submitted to the elevated plus-maze to evaluate the effects of propericiazine in a model of anxiety. Animals treated with 0.075 mg/kg propericiazine showed a reduction in anxiety measures (P<0.05) similar to that observed in those treated with diazepam. Propericiazine at the doses of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg had no significant anxiolytic effects (P>0.05) in the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety. Memory was not affected by propericiazine in any of the tests, but was impaired by diazepam. The results indicate a dose-related, inverse U-shaped effect of propericiazine in an anxiety model, but not on memory tasks, perhaps reflecting involvement of the dopaminergic system in the mechanisms of anxiety.

Concordance and incongruence in preclinical anxiety models: systematic review and meta-analyses

“…We reviewed the available literature on diazepam for the three major rodent ARDEB assays: EPM, OF and LD. This review identified 172 articles containing relevant data (Assie et al, 1993;Bahi et al, 2014;Barbosa et al, 2008;Baretta et al, 2012;Barnes et al, 1990;Bellavite et al, 2011;Belzung and Agmo, 1997;Bhatt et al, 2013;Bhattacharya and Mitra, 1991;Birkett et al, 2011;Blainski et al, 2010;Borsini et al, 1993;Brioni et al, 1994;Carneiro et al, 2005;Carro-Juarez et al, 2012;Cechin et al, 2003;Cha et al, 2005;Chen et al, 2004;Choleris et al, 2001;Cole and Rodgers, 1995;Colla et al, 2015;Consoli et al, 2007;Contreras et al, 2011;Costa et al, 2011;Costall et al, 1990;Da Silva et al, 1996;Dalvi and Rodgers, 2001;de A Vieira et al, 2013;de Almeida et al, 2012;de Castro et al, 2007;de Melo et al, 2006;de Sousa et al, 2007;de-Paris et al, 2000;Drapier et al, 2007;R. W. Dunn et al, 1989;1998;Ene et al, 2015;Engin et al, 2009;Ennaceur et al, 2010;Fajemiroye ...…”