Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam induced mouse killing by rats

Area of Science:

• Neuropharmacology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Animal Models of Aggression

Background:

• Mouse killing behavior is a stereotypic behavior observed in rodents.
• Pharmacological agents can modulate aggressive behaviors, including mouse killing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride on mouse killing behavior in rats.
• To compare the efficacy of chlordiazepoxide HCl with diazepam and pentobarbital.
• To explore the interaction of chlordiazepoxide HCl-induced killing with amphetamines and anticholinergic drugs.

Main Methods:

• Administration of chlordiazepoxide HCl (2.5-80 mg/kg) to Holtzman strain male rats.
• Assessment of mouse killing rates at various dose levels.
• Comparative studies with diazepam, pentobarbital, d- and l-amphetamine, and anticholinergic agents.

Main Results:

• Chlordiazepoxide HCl significantly increased mouse killing behavior in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal effects between 7.5-20 mg/kg.
• Diazepam showed similar efficacy but was more potent than chlordiazepoxide HCl; pentobarbital had no effect.
• d-amphetamine sulfate blocked chlordiazepoxide HCl-induced killing, while l-amphetamine did not; anticholinergic drugs had no significant effect.

Conclusions:

• Chlordiazepoxide HCl and diazepam are effective in inducing mouse killing behavior in rats.
• The mechanism of action may involve dopaminergic pathways, as indicated by amphetamine interactions.
• Anticholinergic systems do not appear to mediate chlordiazepoxide HCl-induced killing.