Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely used in clinical practice as anxiolytics, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. However, they have some undesired effects including memory problems. In continuing our research on novel benzodiazepine ligands, we are looking for ligands with less adverse effects. Previously, 4 novel derivatives of 2-phenoxy phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole were synthesized as...

To investigate the behavioral effects of different vehicles microinjected into the dorsal periaqueductal grey (DPAG) of male Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, tested in the elevated plus maze, animals were implanted with cannulas aimed at this structure. One week after surgery the animals received microinjections into the DPAG of 0.9% (w/v) saline, 10% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 2% (v/v) T...

The recreational use of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) in humans has been associated with memory impairment. The present study examined whether ecstasy impairs short- and long-term working memory and the pattern of arm entries in rats tested in the 8-arm radial maze with a 2-hr delay. After completing the training session, the rats were given a single dose of ecstasy (1, 2, or 3 mg...

α-Galycoceramide (α-Galcer) or the common name of krn7000 is an α-gelasphin derivative. The α-Galcer structure consists of a galactose combined with a ceramide in an α-configuration. Social isolation (SI) has been linked with enhanced inflammation, through modifications in transcriptional pathways linked with glucocorticoid, to stress. Our hypothesis is to investigate mediatory role of glucocor...

Kisspeptins (Kp) are RF-amide neuropeptide regulators of the reproductive axis that also influence anxiety, locomotion, and metabolism. We aimed to investigate effects intracerebroventricular Kp-8 (an N-terminally truncated octapeptide) treatment in Wistar rats. Elevated plus maze (EPM), computerized open field (OF), marble burying (MB) tests were performed for assessment behavior. Serum LH cor...

Lactating rats show less noise-induced freezing and fewer inhibitory responses on the 6th day post-delivery when submitted to water and food deprivation in a classical conflict paradigm. Lactating mice go more often to the illuminated chamber in a light-dark cage and stay longer in it than virgin females. The present study was designed to assess the influence of this physiological state, i.e. l...

The present research was designed to explore the anxiolytic-like activity of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (60) in experimental mouse models of anxiety. The anxiolytic activity of '6o' at (1 and 2 mg/kg, ip) was evaluated in mice by using a battery of behavioural tests of anxiety such as elevated plus maze (EPM), light/dark aversion test, hole board (HB) and open field test (OFT) with diaze...