EVIDENCE FOR ANTIAGGRESSIVE PROPERTY OF SOME CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS

Abstract The effect of calcium channel blockers on foot shock induced (aggression (FSA) were studied in mice. Verapamil, (10, 20 and 40 mgkg −1 i.p.) diltiazem (20 and 40mgkg −1 i.p.) and nifedipine (25 and 50 mgkg −1 i.p.) significantly reduced fighting episodes. Diltiazem and nifedipine blocked the amphetamine induced facilitation of FSA, while verapamil blocked both amphetamine as well as physostigmine induced facilitation of FSA. These findings suggest that calcium channel blockers possess potent antiaggressive activity, which may be attributed to decrease in central dopaminergic and/or cholinergic mechanism.