Long-lasting proconflict effect induced by chronic administration of the beta-carboline derivative FG 7142

In this study, the effect of the chronic administration of the benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor ligand FG 7142 on the rat conflict test was examined. Rats chronically treated with FG 7142 (15 mg/kg, i.p. twice a day for 10 days) had an enhanced sensitivity to punishment at 4 and 15 days after the last treatment. This 'proconflict' effect was prevented by the concurrent administration of the BZD antagonist Ro 15-1788. The hypothesis that the long-lasting proconflict effect of chronic FG 7142 administration is the consequence of a persistent down-regulation of the GABAergic transmission is discussed.