Anxiolytics block excessive grooming behavior induced by ACTH1-24 and bombesin.

Diazepam and meprobamate significantly attenuated the increases in grooming behavior induced by peptides. Significant increases in total grooming frequency over a thirty minute observation period were produced by intraventricular administration of 1 microgram ACTH1-24 and by 1 microgram bombesin to awake rats. Diazepam 1 mg/kg IP blocked the peptide-induced increases in grooming. Non-sedating doses of diazepam also completely reversed the grooming seen when rats were placed in a novel environment. The functional antagonism between anxiolytics and stress-related peptides supports the concept of interacting brain mechanisms mediating stress and anxiety.