Anti-aggressive effect of zimelidine in isolated mice

The anti-aggressive actions of zimelidine, a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, and p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), a 5-HT releasing compound, were examined in isolated male mice. Both agents blocked the aggressive behaviour in a dose range in which they produced inhibition of the accumulation of 14C-5-HT in brain slices. The time course of the inhibition of both compounds was related to their effects on 5-HT mechanisms (5-HT uptake inhibition or 5-HT release) in the brain. These findings suggest that zimelidine and PCA inhibit aggressive behaviour in mice via enhancement of post-synaptic activity in certain 5-HT neuronal pathways. The possible relationship between the role of 5-HT in the anti-aggressive effect and in anxiolytic effects is discussed.