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Ro15-4513 differentially affects ethanol-induced hypnosis and hypothermia
P J Syapin1, K W Gee, R L Alkana
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033.
Brain Research Bulletin
|November 1, 1987
Summary
The partial inverse agonist Ro15-4513 blocks ethanol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol's acute effects, including anti-conflict, ataxic, and lethal properties, are partially antagonized by imidazobenzodiazepine Ro15-4513.
- This implicates the GABAa/benzodiazepine receptor in mediating some of ethanol's acute actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether Ro15-4513 can antagonize all acute effects of ethanol.
- Specifically, to examine the effects of Ro15-4513 on ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex and hypothermia in mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered ethanol and Ro15-4513.
- Ethanol-induced hypnotic (loss of righting reflex) and hypothermic effects were measured.
- Ro15-4513's antagonism of these effects was assessed under identical experimental conditions.
Main Results:
- Ro15-4513 significantly antagonized the hypnotic effects of ethanol.
- However, Ro15-4513 did not antagonize the hypothermic effects of ethanol.
- These differential effects were observed under identical testing conditions.
Conclusions:
- The GABAa/benzodiazepine receptor may not mediate all acute pharmacological effects of ethanol.
- Ethanol's hypnotic and hypothermic effects might be mediated by distinct mechanisms.
- Ro15-4513's antagonism is specific to certain ethanol-induced effects, suggesting receptor subtype involvement.