Anti-aversive effects of the atypical antipsychotic, aripiprazole, in animal models of anxiety.
J Psychopharmacol
; 25(6): 801-7, 2011 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20699351
Aripiprazole is a unique antipsychotic that seems to act as a partial agonist at dopamine D2-receptors, contrasting with other drugs in this class, which are silent antagonists. Aripiprazole may also bind to serotonin receptors. Both neurotransmitters may play major roles in aversion-, anxiety- and panic-related behaviours. Thus, the present work tested the hypothesis that this antipsychotic could also have anti-aversive properties. Male Wistar rats received injections of aripiprazole (0.1-10 mg/kg) and were tested in the open field, in the elevated plus and T mazes (EPM and ETM, respectively) and in a contextual fear conditioning paradigm. Aripiprazole (1 mg/kg) increased the percentage of entries onto the open arms of the EPM and attenuated escape responses in the ETM. In the latter model, the dose of 0.1 mg/kg also decreased the latency to leave the enclosed arm, suggesting anxiolytic- and panicolytic-like properties. This dose also decreased the time spent in freezing in a contextual fear conditioning. No significant motor effects were observed at these doses. The present data support the hypothesis that aripiprazole could inhibit anxiety-related responses. Acting as a partial agonist at dopamine receptors, this drug could effectively treat schizophrenia and, in contrast with most antipsychotic drugs, alleviate aversive states.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ansiedade
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Piperazinas
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Ansiolíticos
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Quinolonas
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Condicionamento Psicológico
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Medo
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Psychopharmacol
Assunto da revista:
PSICOFARMACOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos