Abstract:
Present study was designed to monitor the dose dependent effects of lorazepam; a benzodiazepine (CNS
depressant). It is the primary drug of choice for treatment of anxiety and to produce calming effects. However, repeated
administration of this lorazepam causes dependence and this might be caused by increased dopaminergic
neurotransmission. Besides dopamine, 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) has also been reported to have pivotal role in the
pathophysiology as well as treatment of anxiety and addiction. Repeated administration of lorazepam might involve
altered 5-HT metabolism as well. Present study was therefore designed to monitor dose-dependent effects of lorazepam
and to select its optimum dose for further experiments and pharmacological interventions. Effects of lorazepam were
monitored on food intake, growth rate, activities in familiar and novel environments, light dark box activity, forced swim
test and metabolism of dopamine and 5-HT. oral administration of lorazepam was done at the doses of 0mg/kg, 2mg/kg,
4mg/kg and 6mg/kg. Behaviors parameters were monitored following single administration of lorazepam. Rats were
decapitated and whole brain samples were collected and stored at -70°C until neurochemical analysis by HPLC-EC.
Findings from the present study could be implicated to increased therapeutic utility of lorazepam and related
benzodiazepines.
