Neurochemical and behavioural effects of diazepam: evidences from animal models.

Neurochemical and behavioural research show that benzodiazepines (BZs) are the well-known anxiolytic drugs which are also used for the treatment of epilepsy, hypnosis and insomnia. Administration of BZs to experimental animals produces anxiolytic-like effects in various animal models and decreases exploratory activity. A role of serotonin (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine) in both anxiolytic and anti-exploratory effects of BZs have been suggested. Drugs which mimic 5-HT function at the post synaptic sites have been shown to decrease anxiety in experimental animals. The present study analyses regionally specific effects of BZs on brain serotonin metabolism in relation to the reported behavioural and therapeutic profiles of the drugs.