Effects of intravenous anesthetics on continuous avoidance behavior in the rat

The actions of ketamine, etoxadrol and thiopental on continuous avoidance behavior in the rat were evaluated following i.v. administration. Ketamine and thiopental exerted only a depressant effect on avoidance behavior which was attributable to the anesthetic properties of the drugs. In contrast, biphasic activity was displayed with etoxadrol; avoidance responding was increased at low doses and decreased at high doses. A persistent rebound stimulation of responding occurred upon recovery from the anesthetic effect of high doses of etoxadrol. The effects of these drugs on continuous avoidance behavior do not correlate with previously reported effects on the disposition of brain monaoamines.