The effects of interaction between propranolol and somatostatin on the active avoidance behavior, open-field activity...

In the present study the role of beta-receptors in the behavioral action of somatostatin was investigated. Somatostatin inhibited extinction of the active avoidance behavior. Propranolol alone had no action on this behavior but significantly inhibited the peptide-induced effect. In the open-field test somatostatin induced locomotor activation; propranolol did not influence this effect of the peptide. Somatostatin inhibited electroconvulsive shock-induced amnesia. Propranolol alone had no action in this test, but significantly decreased the antiamnesic effect of the peptide. These results suggest that the central beta-receptors play an important role in the behavioral action of somatostatin.