ABSTRACT
The behavioural pharmacology of inverse ago-nists at the benzodiazepine binding site is the mirror image of that of full agonists. The behavioural arousal seen following administration of inverse agonists may be considered the counterpart to the sedative effects of classical full agonist benzodiazepines. Reversal of behavioural effects by flumazenil is regarded as an essential criterion in attributing a role for the benzodiazepine receptor in behavioural pharmacological properties of novel drugs. Art interesting aspect of tolerance is that the time-course of its apparition appears to depend on the behavioural parameter measured. The first of these so-called ‘ethological models’ was the social interaction model, in which the behavioural interaction between two rats, strangers to one another, was recorded upon their first meeting. Central nervous system depression is an important behavioural consequence of the administration of benzodiazepines, although this effect is not nearly as pronounced as with other minor tranquillisers such as meprobamate, barbiturates or even alcohol.
