Discriminative stimulus properties of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OHDPAT): implications for understanding the actions of novel anxiolytics

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OHDPAT) has effects both characteristic of a serotonin (5-hydroxyytryptamine; 5-HT) agonist and antagonist. To investigate the mechanism(s) of action 8-OHDPAT in vivo, rats were trained to discrimate 8-OHDPAT (0.4 mg/kg) from saline and given various neuroactive compounds during substitution test sessions. Of the 5-HT agonists tested, d-lysergic acid diethylamide, 5-methoxy-n,n-dimethyltryptamine, quipazine, Ru 24969 and 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine did not mimic the training drug; the dopamine agonists apomorphine and SKF 38393 as well as the α₂-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine engendered predominantly saline-lever responding. However, the novel anxiolytics buspirone and ipsapirone as well as the ergot derivative lisuride substituted completely for 8-OHDPAT. In combination tests, 5-HT (ketanserin, metergoline, methysergide, pirenperone), dopamine (haloperidol) and norepinephrine antagonists (prazosin, propranolol) failed to attenuate the 8-OHDPAT cue. The similar stimulus properties of 8-OHDPAT and the novel anxiolytics (buspirone, ipssapirone) are mirrored by the common abilities of these agents to selectively inhibit 5-HT_1A binding and release punished responding. Thus, the subpopulation of 5-HT_1A receptors may mediate the behavioral effects of these compounds in animals and, in turn, the anxiolytic effects of buspirone and ipsapirone in humans. Although not primarily selective for 5-HT, lisuride may also mimic 8-OHDPAT by direct or indirect stimulation of 5-HT_1A receptors.