The modified light/dark transition test in mice: evaluation of classic and putative anxiolytic and anxiogenic drugs

1. We devised a new light/dark transition apparatus, recorded transitions, % time animals spent outside the dark chambers (% time) and locomotor activity, and evaluated this apparatus by testing anxiolytics, non-anxiolytic drugs and putative anxiogenic drugs in mice. 2. Diazepam and alprazolam significantly increased transitions, % time and locomotor activity. The effects of 1 mg/kg (i.p.) diazepam on these parameters in this modified test were blocked by flumazenil, a selective benzodiazepine antagonist. 3. Anxiogenic drugs such as beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (beta-CCE) and picrotoxin significantly decreased all three parameters. Another anxiogenic drug, yohimbine, also significantly decreased transitions and locomotor activity, but it significantly increased % time at 5 mg/kg (i.p.). 4. Imipramine (5-10 mg/kg, i.p.), an antidepressant, sulpiride (10-25 mg/kg, i.p.), an antipsychotic drug, and scopolamine (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p.), an anticholinergic drug, had no effect. 5. Buspirone, a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, produced parameter changes similar to those induced by anxiolytic benzodiazepines. 8-OH-DPAT, a full 5-HT1A receptor agonist, significantly increased transitions and locomotor activity but not % time. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, ICS205-930 and MDL72222, did not have any effect on these parameters. 6. Methamphetamine (1-2 mg/kg, i.p.) increased all parameters, while caffeine increased only locomotor activity. 7. The present findings indicate that the modified light/dark transition test is very simple and easy to perform for testing the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of drugs.