[The effect of calcium channel blockers on anxiety evoked by amputation of the vibrissae in rats]. / Vliianie blokatorov kal'tsievykh kanalov na trevogu, vyzvannuiu amputatsiei vibriss u krys.

The effect of diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) and calcium channel blockers on the behavior of rats in an "open field" was studied on a model of incomplete amputation of vibrissae. Diazepam, diltiazem (1 mg/kg), fendiline (1 mg/kg), and cinnarizine (1 mg/kg) stimulated motor activity of animals with amputated vibrissae. Nifedipine (0.5-5 mg/kg) and verapamil (0.5-5 mg/kg) were practically inactive in these tests. It is concluded that diltiazem, fendiline, and cinnarizine possess anxiolytic activity in this model. On the basis of the results obtained, the methods for studying the anxiolytic activity on animals are discussed.

[The effect of the subchronic administration of calcium-channel blockers on CNS excitability]. / Vliianie subkhronicheskogo vvedeniia blokatorov kal'tsievykh kanalov na vozbudimost' TsNS.

The effect of a single day administration of nifedipine (10 mg/kg), cinnarizine (25 mg/kg), verapamile (25 mg/kg), fendiline (10 mg/kg), dilthiazem (10 mg/kg), and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) on the dynamics of changing a convulsive dose of convulsant was studied on a model of intermittent intracutaneous administration of Corazole (10 mg/kg until convulsions) during 5 days. Repeated intermittent Corazole administrations were found to increase the sensitivity of animals with respect to convulsive effect of the drug. All calcium channel blockers and diazepam increased the convulsive dose of Corazole. In accordance with the hypothesis of anxiety disturbances based on nonspecific CNS activation, a possibility of application of calcium channel blockers as potential anxiolytics is considered.