EFFECTS OF BROMOCRIPTINE AND HALOPERIDOL ON ETHANOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME IN RATS

The effects of bromocriptine and haloperidol, either alone or in combi nation, on ethanol withdrawal syndrome (EWS) have been investigated in rats. Bromocriptine (5 mg/kg IP) inhibited wet dog shakes behavior an d catatonia but potentiated the intensity of abnormal gait. The latenc y of the audiogenic seizures was prolonged by bromocriptine treatment. Haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg SC) decreased the intensity of stereotyped beh avior but potentiated catatonia and agitation. It did not antagonize t he behaviors induced by bromocriptine when injected in combination exc ept the increased latency of the audiogenic seizures. The total intens ity score of the EWS was not significantly different from that in untr eated control. The results suggest that brain dopaminergic system may be involved to a limited extent in mediating the EWS in rats.