Conditioned suppression of behavior: its reversal by intra raphe microinjection of chlordiazepoxide and GABA

Chlordiazepoxide and GABA (5 X 10(-5) M; 0.2 microliters) applied into the nucleus raphe dorsalis significantly reduced behavioral suppression induced in rats by a 10-min presentation of a signal previously associated with the punishment of lever pressing for food. As compared to saline control rats, this reduction was of the same order of magnitude as that obtained after intraperitoneal administration of chlordiazepoxide (8 mg X kg-1). Chlordiazepoxide or GABA (5 X 10(-5) M) failed to alter response maintained under non-aversive conditions. These data suggest the involvement of GABAergic neurons of the raphe dorsalis in the 'disinhibitory' effects of benzodiazepines.