BEHAVIORAL PROFILE OF RACLOPRIDE IN AGONISTIC ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN MALE-MICE

Racropride is a substituted benzamide with high selectivity as an anta gonist of central dopaminergic D-2 receptors and potential antipsychot ic effects. In comparison with a classic DA receptor blocking agent li ke haloperidol, raclopride displays an atypical profile in preclinical tests for extrapyramidal side effects. Antiaggressive properties of r aclopride on agonistic behavior have not yet been fully explored. Tn t his work the effects of raclopride (0.1, 0.3, or 0.6 mg/kg) on aggress ive and motor behaviors in male mice were studied. Aggression tests we re performed 30 min after injections. Encounters were videotaped and b ehavior was evaluated, measuring the time spent in II broad categories of behavior. The results show a clear antiaggressive effect of raclop ride, with very little motor impairment and some increase in explorato ry behavior. This behavioral profile is very similar to the one observ ed with other atypical neuroleptics and differs somewhat from that fou nd in the classic compounds.