ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
Benzodiazepines
;
Brain reward systems
;
Dependence-producing drugs
;
Diazepam
;
Dopamine
;
Locomotor activity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract It is well known that benzodiazepines produce dependence in humans and locomotor stimulation in experimental animals. In this study the possible involvement of catecholamines in the diazepam-induced locomotor stimulation in mice were investigated. Diazepam was found to have a biphasic effect; increasing locomotor activity at a low dose (0.25 mg/kg), while decreasing it at higher doses (〉0.5 mg/kg). The locomotor stimulating effect of diazepam was effectively blocked by pretreatment with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil, as well as with the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor α-methyltyrosine and the dopamine receptor antagonists haloperidol, spiperone and SCH 23390. Taken together, these data indicate that the locomotor stimulating effect observed after low doses of diazepam is due to activation of brain dopaminergic systems involved in locomotor activity. The observations are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that dependence-producing drugs activate specific brain reward systems.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02244561
