Ro 15-1788 and beta-CCE selectively eliminate diazepam-induced feeding in the rabbit

Food intake was monitored in three female and one male adult rabbits following the administration of three drugs known to result in feeding increases in other species. The drugs, diazepam (1.0 mg/kg), cyproheptadine (0.03 mg/kg) and chlorpromazine (1.0 mg/kg) all produced large increases in food intake; of these, only the effect of diazepam, a benzodiazepine, was reversed by doses of the benzodiazepine antagonists Ro 15-1788 (0.3 mg/kg) and Ethyl beta-carboxylate (beta-CCE) (1.0 mg/kg) which, when given alone, did not affect feeding. The results support evidence suggesting that Ro 15-1788 and beta-CCE are specific antagonists of the benzodiazepine receptor and of their effects on a wide range of behaviors.