Behavioral profile of raclopride in agonistic encounters between male mice

Raclopride is a substituted benzamide with high selectivity as an antagonist of central dopaminergic D2 receptors and potential antipsychotic effects. In comparison with a classic DA receptor blocking agent like haloperidol, raclopride displays an atypical profile in preclinical tests for extrapyramidal side effects. Antiaggressive properties of raclopride on agonistic behavior have not yet been fully explored. In this work the effects of raclopride (0.1, 0.3, or 0.6 mg/kg) on aggressive and motor behaviors in male mice were studied. Aggression tests were performed 30 min after injections. Encounters were videotaped and behavior was evaluated, measuring the time spent in 11 broad categories of behavior. The results show a clear antiaggressive effect of raclopride, with very little motor impairment and some increase in exploratory behavior. This behavioral profile is very similar to the one observed with other atypical neuroleptics and differs somewhat from that found in the classic compounds.