Effects of beclamide on isolation‐induced aggression and locomotor activity in mice

Abstract— The anti‐aggressive effects of orally administered beclamide (N‐Benzyl‐β‐chloropropionamide) have been studied in male albino mice which were individually isolated for a 28‐day period. Beclamide (50–250 mg kg−1 p.o.) caused an overall dose‐dependent increase in the attack onset latency, a reduction in the percentage of animals attacking and the mean number of attacks/animal for this model of aggression. In addition, the highest dose of beclamide (250 mg kg−1 p.o.) did not significantly modify locomotor activity in mice. It was concluded that beclamide induced anti‐aggressive effects at non‐sedative doses. This anti‐aggressive action was thought be at least partially mediated, through a beclamide‐induced release of 5‐HT from presynaptic sites.