Investigation of the Anxiolytic Effects of Calcium Channel-Blocker, Nifedipine, and Beta-Blocker, Propranolol, in Vogel Conflict Rat Model
Investigation of the Anxiolytic Effects of Calcium Channel-Blocker, Nifedipine, and Beta-Blocker, Propranolol, in Vogel Conflict Rat Model
Eman Wahsh1, Tarek M Ibrahim2, Mirna E. ElAwady3*
ABSTRACT
Anxiety is a common psychiatric disorder, which is widely treated by the addicting substances benzodiazepines. The major objective of the current study is to explore anxiolytic drugs that are devoid of the addicting properties. The cardiovascular drugs, calcium channel-blocker (CCB), nifedipine, and beta-blocker, propranolol, are currently investigated for their possible anxiolytic effects. Anxiolytic properties of CCBs are attributed to inhibition of brain calcium transportation. Propranolol reduces the physical signs of anxiety by blocking adrenergic neurotransmitters. Currently, Vogel conflict paradigm was applied to measure anxiety and validated by using anxiolytic agent, diazepam, and anxiogenic drug, caffeine. Vogel paradigm is based on the conflict between animal’s licking water and receiving electric shocks. Rats were individually tested in the anxiometer for a 10-min session; the licks/shock ratio was fixed at 20 licks/1 shock. In addition to the saline-control group, eighty male Wister rats were divided into 10 groups. The animals received one of the treatments, caffeine (10mg/kg), diazepam (0.5mg/kg), nifedipine (2 or 8mg/kg), propranolol (5 or 10mg/kg) and their combinations with caffeine; all treatments were injected intraperitoneal 30 min before testing allowing time for drug absorption. Caffeine treatment could significantly decrease the number of licks and shocks, which reflected an anxiogenic effect. In contrast, treatment with diazepam produced an anxiolytic effect as evident by a significant increase in the number of licks and shocks. The anxiolytic effects of nifedipine and propranolol were evident at the high dose level as measured by increase in licks and shocks.
Keywords: Anxiety, Nifedipine, Propranolol, Caffeine
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October 2024
Vol. 12, Sp. Iss. 1
