Abstract
Naive, non-hungry, non-thirsty rats ingested inordinate amounts of a sweetened milk solution when given their first opportunity to drink the solution while under the influence of benzodiazepine drugs. Among many other drugs tested, only phenobarbital gave a similar, although clearly weaker, effect. The test provides a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific screen for benzodiazepine-like drugs. The effects were interpreted in terms of these drugs overcoming (disinhibiting) a rat's natural aversion to an unfamiliar food substance without at the same time greatly sedating the animal.
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Poschel, B.P.H. A simple and specific screen for benzodiazepine-like drugs. Psychopharmacologia 19, 193–198 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00402642
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00402642