Alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist activity may account for the effects of buspirone in an anticonflict test in the rat.

Abstract

The anxiolytic effects of buspirone, its metabolite, 1-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine (1-PP) and several alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists have been compared in an anticonflict (shock-induced suppression of drinking) paradigm in rats. Idazoxan, WY 26392 and yohimbine had anticonflict effects comparable to those of buspirone and 1-PP, and enhanced the release of suppressed responding induced by buspirone. The response to buspirone was antagonised by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. In tests of clonidine-induced mydriasis, the antagonist potencies of buspirone, 1-PP, idazoxan, WY 26392 and yohimbine corresponded closely to the doses of the compounds active in the anticonflict test. Clonidine-induced hypolocomotion was also antagonised by 1-PP, although this response was potentiated by buspirone. The results suggest that the anticonflict effects of buspirone involve an alpha 2-adrenoceptor mechanism.

• Authors: A J Gower, M D Tricklebank
• Journal: European journal of pharmacology (Eur J Pharmacol) Vol. 155 Issue 1-2 Pg. 129-37 (Oct 11 1988) ISSN: 0014-2999 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 2907485 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
• Mydriatics
• Buspirone

Topics

• Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists (pharmacology)
• Animals
• Buspirone (pharmacology)
• Conflict, Psychological
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drinking Behavior (drug effects)
• Male
• Motor Activity (drug effects)
• Mydriatics
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Reinforcement, Psychology