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Diazepam-induced decrease in anxiety-like behaviors of marmoset monkeys exposed to a novel open-field
Priscila Cagni1, Mara Komorowski, Gabriela C Melo
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 10, 2011
Summary
Diazepam (DZP) effectively reduced anxiety-like behaviors in marmoset monkeys exposed to novel environments. This study highlights DZP
Area of Science:
- Primate behavior
- Neuropharmacology
- Anxiolytic research
Background:
- Novel environments induce stress and anxiety in marmosets.
- Anxiolytic effects on primate responses to novelty are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anxiolytic effects of diazepam (DZP) in marmosets.
- To assess marmoset behavior in a novel environment using an open-field test.
Main Methods:
- Adult black tufted-ear marmosets were pre-treated with vehicle or diazepam (0.5 mg/kg).
- Subjects underwent a 15-minute exploration trial in an open-field arena.
- Behavioral parameters including vocalizations, exploration, and central zone sojourn were recorded.
Main Results:
- Diazepam-treated marmosets showed fewer contact calls and less exploration.
- Increased scan duration and central zone sojourn were observed in DZP-treated subjects.
- No sedation was evident in the diazepam group.
Conclusions:
- Diazepam (DZP) significantly decreased anxiety-related behaviors in marmosets exposed to novelty.
- The open-field test is a viable model for assessing anxiety in marmosets.
- This paradigm facilitates comparative studies of anxiety and sedation between rodents and marmosets.
