Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam induced mouse killing by rats

Psychopharmacologia. 1975 Oct 14;44(1):23-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00421178.

Abstract

Chlordiazepoxide HCl, at dose levels from 2.5 mg/kg to 80 mg/kg, significantly increased the low base rates of mouse killing (3-9%) observed in large samples (N = 100/dose) of Holtzman strain albino male rats. Maximal killing rates were obtained at doses from 7.5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg. Diazepam was equally effective, and several times more potent than chlordiazepoxide. Pentobarbital did not increase killing. Killing induced by chlordiazepoxide was blocked by d-amphetamine SO4, but not by l-amphetamine, at dose levels similar to those that block undrugged killing in this strain (ED50 = 1.5 mg/kg). Unlike pilocarpine-induced killing, the effects of chlordiazepoxide were not increased or decreased significantly by either peripherally or centrally active anticholinergic drugs, over wide dose ranges of these agents; nor were the effects of chlordiazepoxide increased by repeated daily administration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / drug effects*
  • Amphetamine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Chlordiazepoxide / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Chlordiazepoxide / pharmacology*
  • Diazepam / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Parasympatholytics / pharmacology
  • Pentobarbital / pharmacology
  • Phenytoin / pharmacology
  • Pilocarpine / pharmacology
  • Predatory Behavior / drug effects
  • Rats

Substances

  • Parasympatholytics
  • Pilocarpine
  • Phenytoin
  • Chlordiazepoxide
  • Amphetamine
  • Pentobarbital
  • Diazepam