ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
8-OH-DPAT
;
Serotonin
;
5-HT1A
;
Anxiety
;
Defense
;
Fear
;
Risk assessment
;
Animal model
;
Sex differences
;
Grooming
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The Proxemics/Activity test and the Eat/Drink test, two components of the Anxiety/Defense Test Battery, were developed to measure defensive reactions to situations associated with a natural predator (cat). In the present studies the behavioral effects of 8-OH-DPAT treatment (0.01–1.0 mg/kg, SC) were entirely consistent with anxiety/fear reduction. These effects included an increase in time spent near the cat compartment, and a complimentary decrease in time spent farthest from this compartment, together with an increase in transits and locomote behavior. 8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg/kg) also increased eat frequencies and durations (highly preferred food) both during and following cat presentation, without influencing drinking. This finding is discussed with reference to previous findings with 8-OH-DPAT in studies assessing both food intake and anxiolysis. Interestingly, 8-OH-DPAT was more potent in a majority of its effects in female subjects, a finding consistent with recent neurochemical data. These findings provide important behavioral evidence for a sexual differentiation in 5-HT function, and support the case for greater emphasis on female subjects in animal models of anxiety.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02244826
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