The Anticonflict Effect of MK-801, an NMDA Antagonist: Investigation by Punishment Procedure in Mice

Abstract

The NMDA antagonist MK-801 at 0.3 mg/kg, i.p. increased the punished response under a MULT VI 1.5/FR 5-punishment schedule of food reinforcement in mice. Furthermore, although neither MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) nor diazepam (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.) was without effect when separately administered, a significant increase in the punished response appeared after the combined administration of these two drugs. The present results suggest that MK-801 not only shows an anticonflict effect, but also enhances the anticonflict effect of benzodiazepine anxiolytics in mice.