Effects of SCH-23390 in Combination with a Low Dose of 17β-Estradiol on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Ovariectomized Rats

The aim of this study was to explore effects on anxiety-like behavior of D-1 dopamine receptor agonist, SKF-38393, and of D-1 dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH-23390, given alone or in combination with a low dose of 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E-2) to ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Two weeks after surgery, OVX rats began 14 days of treatment with the vehicle, a low dose of 17 beta-E-2 (5.0 mu g/rat, s.c.), SKF-38393 (0.1mg/kg, i.p.), SCH-23390 (0.1mg/kg, i.p.), SKF-38393 plus 17 beta-E-2, or SCH-23390 plus 17 beta-E-2. The animals were tested in the black and white model (BWM) and the open field test (OFT). SCH-23390 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or in a combination with a low dose of 17 beta-E-2 (5.0 mu g/rat, s.c.) resulted in anxiolytic-like effect in OVX rats in the BWM. Repeated treatment with SCH-23390 and D-1 17 beta-E-2 profoundly increased anxiolytic-like effect of single substances exerted per se. Coadministration of SCH-23390 with 17 beta-E-2 increased frequency of rearing and grooming in OVX rats in OFT. SKF-38393 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment failed to alter anxiety-like behavior in OVX rats in the BWM. The results of the present study suggest that 17 beta-E-2 and SCH-23390 interact to exert anxiolytic-like action and that each of these drugs can potentiate effects of each other.