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Low-dose alprazolam augments motor activity in mice
F Lopez1, L G Miller, D J Greenblatt
1Department of Medicine, LSU Medical Center, New Orleans, LA.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Low doses of alprazolam increase open-field activity in mice, unlike other benzodiazepines. This behavioral change is linked to unique alprazolam interactions at the benzodiazepine receptor.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Alprazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, exhibits a unique clinical profile.
- Recent studies suggest unusual in vivo binding properties of alprazolam at low doses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral activity of alprazolam at low doses.
- To assess the relationship between receptor binding and behavioral effects.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with alprazolam, triazolam, and clonazepam.
- Open-field activity was measured one hour after drug administration.
- The effect of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro15-1788 was examined.
Main Results:
- Low doses of alprazolam increased open-field activity, while higher doses decreased it.
- Triazolam and clonazepam decreased activity in a dose-dependent manner.
- The antagonist Ro15-1788 blocked the activity-increasing effect of low-dose alprazolam.
Conclusions:
- Increased motor activity correlates with increased benzodiazepine receptor binding at low alprazolam doses.
- Alprazolam's unique effects may stem from unusual interactions with the benzodiazepine receptor.
- These behavioral changes are mediated via the benzodiazepine receptor.