Influence of the new benzodiazepine derivative BD-1158 on the behaviour of rabbits under stress conditions

BD-1158 is a new 1,4 benzodiazepine derivative. The purpose of the present experiments was to test the influence of this substance on the behaviour of rabbits under stress conditions, induced by electrical stimulation of ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH). The experiments were performed for 4 subsequent days in a group of 10 rabbits. On the first day the electrode was implanted into VMH. On the second day the spontaneous behaviour in stress conditions was tested. On the third day 1 ml of 1 % starch solution was administered intraperitoneally. On the fourth day BD-1158 was administered intraperitoneally at a dose 10mg/kg diluted in starch solution up to 1 ml, 35 minutes before the beginning of the experiment. Six phases of behaviour were estimated. It was concluded that in extreme conditons BD-1158 has a strong anxiolytic and sedative effect. lts influence concerns a considerable extension of the comfort phase and decrease of the tension phase. BD-1158 does not influence the animals' activity and attention (the orientation-searching phase and grooming). It decreases eating and drinking.