Anxiolytic effect of neuropeptide FMRFamide in rats

Central administration of FMRFamide in rats dose dependently increased the duration of time spent in the open arm of an elevated plus maze and enhanced the number of drink contacts in the thirsty rat conflict test. Similarly in the social interaction test, animals pretreated with FMRFamide spent sufficient time in active social interaction as compared to controls. Neuropeptide FMRFamide antagonized the anxiogenic effect of yohimbine and enhanced the antianxiety effect of diazepam in rats. The results indicate anxiolytic action of FMRFamide and the mechanism of such an action may involve serotonergic transmission.