Antagonistic effects of caffeine and yohimbine in animal tests of anxiety

Eur J Pharmacol. 1989 Jan 10;159(2):211-5. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(89)90709-7.

Abstract

The effect of a combination of caffeine and yohimbine was investigated in the social interaction, elevated plus-maze and punished-drinking tests of anxiety. Caffeine (40 mg/kg i.p.) had anxiogenic-like effects in the social interaction and plus-maze tests. Yohimbine (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) was anxiogenic-like in the plus-maze and displayed anticonflict activity. Unexpectedly, caffeine and yohimbine antagonized each others' effects in the social interaction and elevated plus-maze tests.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Caffeine / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Caffeine / pharmacology*
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Drinking / drug effects
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Punishment
  • Rats
  • Yohimbine / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Yohimbine / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Yohimbine
  • Caffeine