Potentiation of haloperidol-induced catalepsy by beta-adrenoceptor antagonists in mice

Several clinical papers have reported that beta-adrenoceptor antagonists were useful in the management of schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia. The present study examined effects of beta-antagonists on haloperidol (HAL)-induced catalepsy using mice in order to study the relationship between beta-antagonists and central dopaminergic functions. Catalepsy was tested by the standard bar test 30 min after intraperitoneal treatment of HAL. Beta-antagonists were administered subcutaneously just after HAL-treatment. Propranolol, alprenolol, oxprenolol and pindolol increased the incidence of catalepsy compared to HAL alone. Atenolol, not penetrating into the brain, and the sedative and hypnotic drug chlordiazepoxide did not potentiate it. These results suggest that the potentiation of HAL-catalepsy by beta-antagonists is based on their central action. Therefore, a central beta-receptor appears to be implicated in the regulation of the central dopaminergic functions.