title: Anxiolytic and anxiogenic drug effects on male and female gerbils in the black-white box

authors: Bradley, Belinda Fay

subjects: mongolian gerbil

abstract: Neurokinin-1, (NK1) receptor antagonists offer strong potential as anxiolytic drugs with few side effects. The use of the Mongolian gerbil for anxiety research offers advantages because gerbil NK1 receptors share a greater homology with human NK1 receptors than those of other rodents. Studies are needed to validate existing tests of anxiety for use with this species. This study examined the effects of two anxiolytics (buspirone and diazepam) and two anxiogenics (caffeine and FG142) on male and female gerbil behaviour in the black-white box (BWB). Diazepam was anxiolytic in males but not females. The anxiolytic effects of buspirone were apparent at the lower doses in both males and females. Higher doses resulted in sedative effects in both sexes. Caffeine produced mild anxiogenesis in females at the lowest dose, and in males at the highest dose. FG7142 was mildly anxiogenic in males and not at all in females. Findings are discussed in light of previous research. The gerbil BWB should not be used as a valid test of anxiety in its current form.

text: Anxiolytic and anxiogenic drug effects on male and female gerbils in the black-white box Neurokinin-1, (NK1) receptor antagonists offer strong potential as anxiolytic drugs with few side effects. The use of the Mongolian gerbil for anxiety research offers advantages because gerbil NK1 receptors share a greater homology with human NK1 receptors than those of other rodents. Studies are needed to validate existing tests of anxiety for use with this species. This study examined the effects of two anxiolytics (buspirone and diazepam) and two anxiogenics (caffeine and FG142) on male and female gerbil behaviour in the black-white box (BWB). Diazepam was anxiolytic in males but not females. The anxiolytic effects of buspirone were apparent at the lower doses in both males and females. Higher doses resulted in sedative effects in both sexes. Caffeine produced mild anxiogenesis in females at the lowest dose, and in males at the highest dose. FG7142 was mildly anxiogenic in males and not at all in females. Findings are discussed in light of previous research. The gerbil BWB should not be used as a valid test of anxiety in its current form.

year: 2010

title: Review: Tempo Festival Dane

authors: Cheesman, Sue

subjects: Tempo Festival of Dance

abstract: Tempo Festival of Dance this year featured many shorter works in shared programme formats. The venue, TAPAC, acted as an ambient hub for this festival.

text: Review: Tempo Festival Dane Tempo Festival of Dance this year featured many shorter works in shared programme formats. The venue, TAPAC, acted as an ambient hub for this festival.

year: 2009

title: Hostile shores: catastrophic events in prehistoric New Zealand and their impact on Maori coastal communities [Book Review]

authors: Lowe, David J.

abstract: This article reviews the book: “Hostile shores: catastrophic events in prehistoric New Zealand and their impact on Maori coastal communities”, by Bruct McFadgen.

text: Hostile shores: catastrophic events in prehistoric New Zealand and their impact on Maori coastal communities [Book Review] This article reviews the book: “Hostile shores: catastrophic events in prehistoric New Zealand and their impact on Maori coastal communities”, by Bruct McFadgen.

year: 2008