Animal models of anxiety are being used to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying anxiety-related behaviors. An endogenous mineralocorticoid metabolite of progesterone, THDOC, previously characterized for its high affinity for the central benzodiazepine receptor, was tested and found to have significant anxiolytic activity in both the mouse exploratory behavior model and the Vogel thirsty-lick conflict rat model for anxiety. In addition, the anxiety component of the learned helplessness model of depression was characterized in terms of benzodiazepine, GABA, and chloride channel binding, in Sprague-Dawley and Maudsley hyperactive rats.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01MH002178-04
Application #
3968520
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code