EFFECTS OF RISPERIDONE ON CONDITIONED AVOIDANCE RESPONDING IN MALE-MICE

The effects of risperidone (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) on active avoidance behaviour of BALB/C mice were explored in three acquisition sessions a nd in one subsequent performance session. In the acquisition phase, ri speridone-treated animals showed a decrease in avoidances and in cross ings in the adaptation period and in the intertrial intervals (ITIs), and an increase in non-responses; intermediate and high doses also dec reased defecation. In the performance phase, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg risperido ne decreased avoidance responses, crossings in the adaptation period a nd ITI crossings, which also decreased with 0.1 mg/kg. Moreover, 0.5 m g/kg of risperidone increased escape responses and 1 mg/kg increased n on-responses and decreased defecation. The results show that risperido ne has similar effects to other neuroleptics in the avoidance paradigm .