Neuropeptide Y Y 1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226 produces conditioned place aversion in rats

Abstract

1. 1. Previous studies have shown that the blockade of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) y 1 receptors with N 2- (diphenylacetyl)- N-[(4-hydroxy-phenyl)methyl]-D-arginine amide (BIBP3226) induces anxiogenic-like reaction in rats tested in elevated plus-maze test. 2. 2. The present study examined whether such a treatment is aversive using place conditioning in a two- compartment apparatus. Locomotor activity was measured in open field test. 3. 3. Pairings with potentially anxiogenic dose of BIBP3226 (5μg/6.5μl I.c.v.) produced a conditioned aversion for the drug-associated place, whereas the locomotor activity in the open field test was not affected by this dose of BIBP3226. 4. 4. These data suggest that the blockade of central NPY y 1 receptors is aversive and provide additional evidence to the hypothesis that the NPY y 1 receptors are involved in the regulation of affective states.