BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS IN MICE OF SUBCHRONIC CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE, MAPROTILINE, AND FLUVOXAMINE .1. SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

The present study compares the effects of subchronic administration (d aily, 21 days) of chlordiazepoxide (CD), maprotiline and fluvoamine on the behavior of male mice during dyadic social interactions. Maprotil ine, like chlordiazepoxide, stimulated aggression at 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/ kg respectively (intermediate dose levels), whereas effects of fluvoxa mine (3-8 mg/kg) were mainly sedative. Non-social activity was reduced by CD at 4 and 8 mg/kg and by maprotiline at 0.5 mg/kg. At the highes t dose tested (10 mg/kg), maprotiline increased immobility, resembling the effects of fluovoxamine, while at 2 mg/kg, it reduced social inve stigation Thus, despite some commonalities, there were several differe nces in behavioral profile of the compounds tested. Data are discussed in relation to the efficacy of each of these compounds in treating an xiety and depressive disorders. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.