Dexamethasone reduces the behavioural effects induced by baclofen in mice

The present study examines the influence of dexamethasone on the behavioural effects induced by baclofen in mice. The behaviour elements considered were locomotor activity, motor co-ordination, catalepsy, stereotyped behaviour and antinociception. Baclofen (1.0-4.0-6.0 mg kg-1, i.p.) induced a significant reduction of all behavioural elements studied and an antinociceptive effect was recorded. Dexamethasone alone (0.1-0.5-1.0 mg kg-1, i.p.) did not induce significant changes in the behaviour elements considered. On the other hand, when the steroid was injected immediately before baclofen a significant reduction of baclofen's behavioural effects was found. Our results suggest a possible link between glucocorticoid and the GABA-ergic system.