SOME BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS OF AMPA KAINATE RECEPTOR AGONIST AND ANTAGONISTS/

The effects of an agonist (S-AMPA, i.c.v.), as well as competitive (CN QX, NBQX, DNQX, i.p.), and noncompetitive antagonists (GYKI 52466, i.p .) at the AMPA/kainate receptors were examined in the open field and t he Vogel tests of anxiety. It was found that both kinds of antagonists inhibited rat exploratory behavior in a dose-dependent manner, at the dose range exibiting a clear-cut tendency to decrease rat locomotor a ctivity. They appeared inactive in the Vogel test over an examined dos e-range. S-AMPA, whereas not changing in a significant way rat behavio r in the open field, significantly enhanced the suppressive influence of a shock on drinking in the Vogel test. The drug administered at the dose of 2 mu g/5 mu l, i.c.v., revealed also a tendency to decrease t he motor activity followed by prodromal symptoms of epileptic-like act ivity in some subjects. It is concluded that AMPA/kainate receptors pr obably are nor directly involved in the control of rat emotional behav ior. Thus, their primary role as putative neuroprotective and anticonv ulsant agents is indirectly confirmed.