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  • Title: The CRF(1) receptor antagonist DMP696 produces anxiolytic effects and inhibits the stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation without sedation or ataxia in rats.
    Author: McElroy JF, Ward KA, Zeller KL, Jones KW, Gilligan PJ, He L, Lelas S.
    Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl); 2002 Dec; 165(1):86-92. PubMed ID: 12474122.
    Abstract:
    RATIONALE: CRF(1) antagonists may be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders while having fewer side effects compared with classical benzodiazepines. OBJECTIVES: The effects of a small molecule selective CRF(1) antagonist DMP696 on anxiety-like behaviors and stress-induced increases in corticosterone in rats exposed to a novel environment and on locomotor activity and motor coordination were determined in rats. These effects of DMP696 were compared with those produced by the classical benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (CDP). METHODS: DMP696 or CDP were administered PO, 60 minutes before behavioral testing in rats. Their effects on latency to exit a dark chamber and stress-induced increase in corticosterone in the Defensive Withdrawal test (an animal model of anxiety), locomotor activity, and rotorod performance (measure of ataxia) were determined. RESULTS: DMP696 significantly reduced exit latency and reversed the stress-induced increase in corticosterone in the Defensive Withdrawal test at doses of 3.0-10 mg/kg and higher. In contrast, CDP significantly decreased exit latency at 10 and 30 mg/kg, but not at 100 mg/kg, due to concurrent non-specific side effects. Unlike DMP696, CDP had no effect on the stress-induced increase in corticosterone at lower doses, but resulted in a significant increase at higher doses. DMP696 did not reduce locomotor activity or impair motor coordination at doses up to 30-fold higher than doses effective in the Defensive Withdrawal model. In contrast, CDP produced significant sedation and ataxia at the same doses that were effective in reducing exit latency. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the CRF(1) antagonist DMP696 might retain the therapeutic benefits of classical benzodiazepines but have fewer motoric side effects.
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