Strain differences in the anxiolytic effects of losartan in the mouse.

Anxiolytic effects of the angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonist losartan were studied in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the light/dark test (LDT) in different mouse strains as were responses to angiotensin II and acetylcholine in isolated ascending colon. There were no significant strain differences in behaviour on the EPM, and diazepam was anxiolytic in C57BL/6, DBA/2 and BKW mice. Losartan was anxiolytic in BKW only. In the LDT, there were significant strain differences, with BKW mice exhibiting greatest anxiety-like behaviour; losartan was ineffective in this test. In vitro responses to angiotensin II and acetylcholine were significantly smaller in BKW than in C57BL/6 and DBA/2. These results indicate that the mouse strain exhibiting least angiotensin receptor function is the most responsive to the anxiolytic effects, suggesting a possible relationship between angiotensin receptor function and anxiolytic response to losartan.

Comparison of the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory and the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire--Junior with an adolescent inpatient sample.

The current investigation was undertaken to assess the correlation of scores on the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory and the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire--Junior. 9 adolescents (aged 15 to 17 years), on being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility, were given the two inventories. Of the 20 categories on the Millon, scores on 10 were significantly correlated with scores on suicide ideation. High suicide ideators tended to experience school-related problems, report poor self-concept, have poor family rapport, and be overly sensitive. Results were discussed in light of the importance of finding a subtle and commonly administered assessment tool that would be useful for those who work with adolescents at risk for suicide.