Imepitoin Shows Benzodiazepine-Like Effects in Models of Anxiety.

ABSTRACT: Imepitoin is a low affinity partial agonist for the benzodiazepine binding site of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptors, and is currently used as an antiepileptic in dogs. Here we tested imepitoin for anxiolytic properties. In an in vitro model, imepitoin was capable of preventing the effect of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) on locus coeruleus neurons without suppressing the basal activity of these cells, an activity which is suggestive for an anti-stress effect of imepitoin. In addition, we applied a battery of standard rodent preclinical tests for anxiety behavior including elevated plus mazes in mice and rats, light-dark-box in mice and rats, social interaction test in rats, or the Vogel conflict test in rats. In all models, the observed profile of imepitoin ap

SUBMITTER: Engel O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6230983 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature