How does atomoxetine influence anxiety and aversive behavior in mice with different brain weights?

Atomoxetine affects noradrenergic systems, which are involved in regulating anxiety and stress responses. The study examines the effects of atomoxetine on anxiety and aversive behavior in LB and SB mice using tests such as the unescapable slippery funnel test and the elevated plus maze (EPM) test.

Atomoxetine generally increased activity and reduced immobility in the unescapable slippery funnel test for both LB and SB mice, indicating reduced anxiety-like behavior in an aversive situation. However, in the EPM test, atomoxetine-treated mice of both strains showed shorter time spent in open arms, suggesting elevated anxiety. The effects of atomoxetine on anxiety indices were not uniform across different tests, highlighting the complexity of its influence on behavior.