Flumazenil prevents the anxiolytic effects of diazepam, alprazolam and adinazolam on the early acquisition of two-way active avoidance

The effects of diazepam (DZ, 4 mg/kg), alprazolam (ALP, 1.25 mg/kg) and adinazolam (ADIN, 6 mg/kg), as well as their interaction with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (Ro15-1788), were studied on the early acquisition of two-way active (shuttlebox) avoidance in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The three benzodiazepines increased shuttlebox avoidance acquisition, and their effects were prevented (antagonized) by flumazenil (10 mg/kg). The present results indicate that central benzodiazepine (BZ) receptors are involved in the anxiolytic effects of diazepam and triazolobenzodiazepines on the early acquisition of two-way active avoidance. © 1993 Academic Press.