Modulation of plus-maze behaviour in mice by the preferential D3-receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT

doi:10.1016/0091-3057(95)02110-8

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

Volume 54, Issue 1, May 1996, Pages 79-84

https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(95)02110-8 Get rights and content

Abstract

Differences in the behavioural profiles of dopamine D₂ receptor antagonists (e.g., haloperidol vs. sulpiride) in animal models of anxiety have prompted speculation concerning the importance of their relative affinities for D₂-like receptor populations. In an initial attempt to investigate the involvement of D₃ receptors in anxiety, the present study examined the effects of the preferential D₃-receptor agonist, (±)7-OH-DPAT (0.01–10.0 mg/kg), on behaviours displayed by male mice in the elevated plus-maze paradigm. An ethological approach incorporating measurement of a range of defensive acts and postures in addition to conventional parameters was used to provide a comprehensive behavioural profile for the compound. Data analysis indicated a significant increase in percentage of open-arm entries at 10 mg/kg and an altered temporal distribution of behaviour at 1–10 mg/kg. Furthermore, risk-assessment measures (stretched attend postures, closed-arm returns) were dose dependently reduced by drug treatment. Although these behavioural changes would be consistent with anxiety reduction, such an interpretation is negated by dose-dependent decreases in all active behaviours (arm entries, rearing, and head-dipping) and by marked increases in entry latencies and nonexploratory behaviour at the highest dose tested. Overall, these effects are remarkably similar to those previously reported for quinpirole, suggesting either that D₂ and D₃ receptors exert similar behavioural control or that the agents employed are sufficiently potent at D₂ receptors to prevent a resolution of D₂ and D₃ responses.

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There is much evidence from several laboratories indicating that risk assessment behaviors are typically elicited in response to novelty [49], defensive/withdrawal [79,108], predator scent [6], defensive burying [78], predator exposure [120], as well as in the EPM [23,113]. Anxiolytic drugs commonly reduce protected stretch attend in favor of unprotected stretch attend (approach) in the open arms of the EPM [90,91,92,94]; enhance cautious approach toward the rat stimulus in the closed alley situation in the mouse defense test battery [44,45,46,48,117]; and reduce avoidance and protected stretch attend in the rat exposure test [119,120]. Recent pharmacological reports have also shown that several neurotransmitter systems within the mouse right hemisphere IL vmPFC influence protected risk assessment activity in the EPM [113,115,116] and in the mouse defense test battery.
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ArticleModulation of plus-maze behaviour in mice by the preferential D3-receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT

Abstract

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Brain Res.

Neuropharmacology

Neuropharmacology

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Adv. Study Behav.

Neuroscience

Neuropharmacology

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Eur. J. Pharmacol.

Behav. Neural Biol.

Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav.

Behav. Brain Res.

Trends Pharmacol. Sci.

Trends Pharmacol. Sci.

Article
Modulation of plus-maze behaviour in mice by the preferential D₃-receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT