Effects of bromocriptine and haloperidol on ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats.

The effects of bromocriptine and haloperidol, either alone or in combination, on ethanol withdrawal syndrome (EWS) have been investigated in rats. Bromocriptine (5 mg/kg 1P) inhibited wet dog shakes behavior and catatonia but potentiated the intensity of abnormal gait. The latency of the audiogenic seizures was prolonged by bromocriptine treatment. Haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg SC) decreased the intensity of stereotyped behavior but potentiated catatonia and agitation. It did not antagonize the behaviors induced by bromocriptine when injected in combination except the increased latency of the audiogenic seizures. The total intensity score of the EWS was not significantly different from that in untreated control. The results suggest that brain dopaminergic system may be involved to a limited extent in mediating the EWS in rats.