Abstract
Common effects of four beta-adrenergic blocking drugs have been investigated in mice using classical and new psychopharmacological tests. Propranolol, alprenolol, practolol and penbutolol reduced the increase in locomotor activity produced by reserpine after MAO inhibition; they produce hypothermia when associated with amphetamine and they increase oxotremorine-induced hypothermia. Regarding these three tests the studied substances ranged themselves in the same order of potency: penbutolol > propranolol > alprenolol > practolol. Propranolol and penbutolol decreased the toxicity provoked in crowded mice by amphetamine or by the association pargyline-reserpine; alprenolol and practolol did not. Propranolol, penbutolol and alprenolol antagonized the amphetamine-induced increase in motor activity; practolol did not. When used at doses for which d-l propranolol was active, the dextrogyre isomer of propranolol was without effect whatever the test studied. It is suggested that for the selection of a beta-blocking drug, regarding central effects in man, the tests described would deserve consideration.
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Francès, H., Puech, A.J., Chermat, R. et al. Effects de quatre bloqueurs bêta-adrénergiques sur quelques tests de psychopharmacologie chez la Souris. Psychopharmacology 63, 43–48 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00426920
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00426920