Differences among nine 1,4-benzodiazepines: an ethopharmacological evaluation in mice

The present study explored whether the profiles of action of benzodiazepines on intraspecies conflict behavior in mice are different. The occurrence of seven behavioral elements was observed in aggressive and timid singly-housed male mice treated with drugs in paired interactions with untreated non-aggressive males. At low doses, some benzodiazepines (alprazolam, oxazepam and diazepam) inhibited defenses, escapes, or attacks, but did not reduce other activities (social sniffing, walking, rearing), and actually increased most of them. At comparable doses, other benzodiazepines (flunitrazepam, nitrazepam, clonazepam and chlordiazepoxide) stimulated only social sniffing, but reduced rearing or walking. Further benzodiazepines (triazolam and lorazepam) reduced defenses, escapes and attacks only at doses that suppressed most of the remaining activities as well. Thus, the nine benzodiazepines tested exhibited different profiles of action in the present study. Alprazolam, oxazepam and diazepam appeared least sedative, while triazolam and lorazepam were most sedative.