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A comparative study of the effects of ritanserin (R 55 667) and chlordiazepoxide on rat open field behavior
Author(s) -
Meert Theo F.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
drug development research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.582
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1098-2299
pISSN - 0272-4391
DOI - 10.1002/ddr.430080123
Subject(s) - ritanserin , chlordiazepoxide , open field , chemistry , psychology , pharmacology , medicine , 5 ht receptor , diazepam , biochemistry , serotonin , psychiatry , receptor
A rat open field test is described in which the inherent tendency of rats to explore an environment is titrated against their inherent tendency to avoid an open field that is large, brightly illuminated, ceilingless, and novel. The procedure appeared responsive to the effects of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and some related compounds. Particularly pronounced activity was obtained with ritanserin; the compound disinhibited rat exploratory behavior at doses ranging from 0.04 to 10 mg/kg. Ritanserin, but not chlordiazepoxide, significantly increased the number of animals entering the open field. Chlordiazepoxide, but not ritanserin, significantly increased the number of animals making at least nine transits. The observations suggest that chlordiazepoxide and ritanserin differ in their mode of disinhibitory action on rat open field behavior.