Effects of dilazep (Comelian) on the central purinergic system: inhibitory effects on clonidine-induced aggressive behavior.

Abstract Mice given clonidine (20–50 mg/kg i.p. and 5 μg i.c.v.) exhibited aggressive behavior. Dilazep as well as N 6 -(L-phenylisopropyl) adenosine (adenosine agonist) inhibited this behavior. Dilazep combined with N 6 -(L-phenylisopropyl) adenosine markedly inhibited the behavior at low doses that were without effect when given alone whereas the inhibitory effect of dilazep on the behavior was reversed by caffeine and 8-phenyltheophylline, which are adenosine antagonists. The results suggest that the inhibitory action of dilazep on clonidine-induced aggressive behavior can be substantially attributed to central purinoceptor stimulation.