Acute and subchronic effects of neuroleptics on body weight in isolated male mice

Numerous studies have demonstrated that dopaminergic antagonists (such as n euroleptic drugs) may increase body weight in grouped rodents. However, the re is no evidence in relation to the possible action of these drugs under i solation conditions. In this study, we examine the effects of four antipsyc hotics (chlorpromazine, tiapride, zuclopenthixol, amisulpride) on body weig ht in isolated male mice. All animals were housed individually in transpare nt plastic cages for 30 days (non-drug period) and weighed weekly. After th e isolation period, drugs were administered acutely or daily for 10 consecu tive days and body weights measured. These neuroleptics did not significant ly alter the mice's body weight as compared with their saline-treated count erparts. We conclude that housing conditions could play a critical role in modulating the action of dopaminergic receptor antagonists on body weight i n rodents. Med Sci Res 27:657-559 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.