The effects of 5-HT receptor ligands on ultrasonic calling in mouse pups

The influence of a range of drugs acting at various 5-HT receptor sites on the ultrasonic calling of mouse pups was assessed. Calling was decreased by the novel anxiolytics buspirone, ipsapirone and gepirone, and by TFMPP, spiperone, ritanserin and GR 38032F. In contrast, 8-OH-DPAT, DOI and quipazine increased the rate of calling. These effects on ultrasonic calling were independent of sedative or thermoregulatory actions of these drugs. Present data provide further support for the view that ultrasonic calling can be used to assess novel compounds for possible anxiolytic or anxiogenic properties.