EFFECTS OF CLONAZEPAM IN INHIBITORY AVOIDANCE IN GOLDFISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the clonazepam in inhibitory avoidance (IA) of the white environment in goldfish. Thirty goldfish were divided in 4 groups according to drug-concentração: 0 mg/ml-(N = 9); 0,001 mg/ml-(N = 7); 0,003 mg/ml-(N = 7) and 0,006 mg/ml-(N = 7). The drug was diluted in 86 ml of water along 180 s. For IA, was used an aquarium divided in two chambers, one black and other white, with the animal initially placed in the black chamber. After 180 s, the door was opened and the time spent to cross to the white compartment was recorded (latency). The data were analyzed for ANOVA of two­-way followed by Dunnet test. The results indicated statistically significant differences in latency between trials with increase of latency. The Dunnet test indicated significant differences between the trials 1 and 6 and 1 and 7 and between control group and the group that received the concentration of 0,006 mg/ml. The data indicate: 1) reduction of aversive property of white environment, what demonstrated the anxiolytic effect of clonazepam; and 2) clonazepam did not prevent the inhibitory avoidance. Keywords: inhibitory avoidance, clonazepam, Carassius auratus.