The effect of chlordiazepoxide on the habituation of exploration: interactions with the benzodiazepine antagonist RO 15-1788.

Rats tested on two occasions in a holeboard apparatus showed between-session habituation of exploratory activity. No habituation was observed on the measure of locomotor activity. Administration of chlordiazepoxide before the first test reduced exploratory behavior in this test and also reduced the degree of between-session habituation. Administration of RO 15-1788 reversed the effect of chlordiazepoxide on exploration in the first test, but failed to reverse the drug's effect on between-session habituation. It is unlikely that state-dependent retrieval could account for these results. The results are discussed in relation to the effects of benzodiazepines on learning and memory.