Abstract
Bicuculline, a specific blocking agent of GABA-ergic receptors, in doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg (subcutaneously); and thiosemicarbazide, which inhibits GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) synthesis in the brain, in doses of 5 and 8 mg/kg (subcutaneously); are antagonists of diazepam and weaken its tranquilizing action during conflict behavior in experimental rats. Bicuculline exhibits stronger antagonism toward diazepam than thiosemicarbazide. The results are evidence that GABA-ergic mechanisms may participate in the tranquilizing action of the benzodiazepines.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Yu. I. Vikhlyaev and T. A. Klygul', Zh. Nevropat. Psikhiatr., No. 1, 123 (1966).
T. A. Klygul' and V. A. Krivopalov, Farmakol. Toksikol., No. 2, 241 (1966).
S. N. Kozhechkin and R. U. Ostrovskaya, Byull. Éksp. Biol. Med., No. 12, 1448 (1976).
R. U. Ostrovskaya, G. M. Molodavkin, R. P. Porfir'eva, et al., Byull. Éksp. Biol. Med., No. 3, 50 (1975).
L. Cook and A. Davidson, in: Benzodiazepines (ed. by S. Garattini et al.), Raven Press, New York (1973), p. 327.
L. Cook and J. Sepinwall, in: Sixth International Congress of Pharmacology. Abstracts, No. 963, Helsinki (1975).
D. R. Curtis and D. Felix, Brain Res.,34, 301 (1971).
W. Haefely, A. Kulcsar, H. Mohler, et al., in: Mechanism of Action of Benzodiazepines, edited by E. Costa and P. Greengard, New York (1975).
K. Kielam and J. Bain, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.,119, 255 (1957).
L. Stein and B. Berger, Arzneimittelforsch.,21, 1073 (1971).
V. V. Zakusov et al., Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn.,214, 188 (1975).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ostrovskaya, R.U., Voronina, T.A. Antagonistic effect of bicuculline and thiosemicarbazide on the tranquilizing action of diazepam. Bull Exp Biol Med 83, 332–334 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00799353
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00799353