Anxiolytic actions of chlordiazepoxide determine its effects on hyponeophagia in rats

The effects of chlordiazepoxide (0, 5, 15 mg/kg) on eating latency, eating time and amount eaten of familiar and novel foods by rats were assessed. Familiarity with the test apparatus and procedure increased feeding but reduced responsivity to chlordiazepoxide (5 mg/kg). Food deprivation increased feeding and responsivity to 5 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide but attenuated some sedative effects of 15 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide. Preference for familiar food was shown only by food-deprived, test-experienced rats. The time devoted to eating novel food, but not the amount eaten, was increased by chlordiazepoxide. These findings are discussed in the context of anxiolytic and appetitive interpretations of benzodiazepine effects on hyponeophagia, with the conclusion that reduction in apparatus neophobia largely accounts for the results observed.