Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptors in marble-burying behavior in mice.

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.