Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptors in marble-burying behavior in mice

Abstract

We examined the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C (5-HT 2C) receptors in marble-burying behavior in mice. When administered alone, the selective 5-HT 2C agonist WAY161503 (3 mg/kg) inhibited marble-burying behavior. Moreover, the selective 5-HT 2C antagonist SB242084 (3 mg/kg) reversed the inhibition of marble-burying behavior by 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) (1 mg/kg) or WAY161503 (3 mg/kg). Similarly, SB242084 (1 mg/kg) reversed the inhibition of marble-burying behavior by fluvoxamine (30 mg/kg) or paroxetine (3 mg/kg). These results suggest that 5-HT 2C receptors play a role in marble-burying behavior in mice. © 2012 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.