Behavioural effects in mice of subchronic chlordiazepoxide, maprotiline, and fluvoxamine .1. Social interactions

The present study compares the effects of subchronic administration (daily, 21 days) of chlordiazepoxide (CD), maprotiline and fluvoamine on the behavior of male mice during dyadic social interactions. Maprotiline, like chlordiazepoxide, stimulated aggression at 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg respectively (intermediate dose levels), whereas effects of fluvoxamine (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 highest dose tested (10 mg/kg), maprotiline increased immobility, resembling the effects of fluovoxamine, while at 2 mg/kg, it reduced social investigation Thus, despite some commonalities, there were several differences in behavioral profile of the compounds tested. Data are discussed in relation to the efficacy of each of these compounds in treating anxiety and depressive disorders. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.