Effects of beclamide on isolation-induced aggression and locomotor activity in mice

The anti-aggressive effects of orally administered beclamide (N-Benzyl-beta-chloropropionamide) have been studied in male albino mice which were individually isolated for a 28-day period. Beclamide (50-250 mg kg-1 p.o.) caused an overall dose-dependent increase in the attack onset latency, a reduction in the percentage of animals attacking and the mean number of attacks/animal for this model of aggression. In addition, the highest dose of beclamide (250 mg kg-1 p.o.) did not significantly modify locomotor activity in mice. It was concluded that beclamide induced anti-aggressive effects at non-sedative doses. This anti-aggressive action was thought be at least partially mediated, through a beclamide-induced release of 5-HT from presynaptic sites.