The effect of the known anxiolytic agents @entity3175 and @entity1401 and a putative anxiogenic agent, @entity12453 , were assessed in a fully automated and computer-integrated two-compartment light/dark apparatus. In addition, psychostimulant drugs ( @entity4944 , @entity69733 , @entity29426 , and @entity5834 ) were tested to determinate the influence of increasing locomotor activity on the indices of @entity148 . Some modifications, such as using a soiled apparatus, have been made from the initial model to reduce any neophobic response to the test situation. These results have been compared to results obtained after cleaning between trials. In addition, strain differences have been assessed by comparing the effect of Swiss @entity19 with the C57Bl/6J strain. The role of each parameter as an index of @entity148 is discussed. The time spent in the lit area and exploratory behaviors seemed to be the most reliable parameter for assessing anxiolytic-like activity. @entity3175 and @entity1401 were found to have an anxiolytic profile. @entity12453 did not demonstrate any intrinsic effect. @entity4944 was reported to be anxiogenic, and @entity29426 , @entity69733 , and @entity5834 only had a psychostimulant profile. We conclude that the light/dark test may be useful for identifying putative anxiolytic and anxiogenic agents, but an additional test such as an open field or an actimeter test must be performed as a control with regard to the problem of sedation and change in exploration. The Swiss strain of @entity19 has been found a suitable strain to be used in the test.

A new approach to the light/dark test procedure in XXXX .

@entity3175 :: ('MESH:D003975', 'Chemical') :: ['diazepam', 'Diazepam'] @entity19 :: ('10090', 'Species') :: ['mice'] @entity69733 :: ('MESH:C022116', 'Chemical') :: ['adrafinil'] @entity5834 :: ('MESH:D002110', 'Chemical') :: ['caffeine'] @entity29426 :: ('MESH:C011597', 'Chemical') :: ['amineptine'] @entity12453 :: ('MESH:C035874', 'Chemical') :: ['FG 7142'] @entity1401 :: ('MESH:D000525', 'Chemical') :: ['alprazolam'] @entity148 :: ('MESH:D001008', 'Disease') :: ['anxiety'] @entity4944 :: ('MESH:D000661', 'Chemical') :: ['amphetamine', 'Amphetamine']
@entity19 :: (10090,Species) :: ['mice']
