The effects of chronic valproate and diazepam in a mouse model of posttraumatic stress disorder.

To better understand neurochemical and psychopharmacological aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is necessary establish an animal model of PTSD in which behavioral changes persist for a long time after the initial traumatization. The present study aimed to characterize long-term behavioral alterations in male ICR mice as an animal model of PTSD consisting of a 2-day foot shock (0.8 mA, 10 s) followed by 3 weekly situational reminders (SR), and to evaluate the effects of repeated administration of valproate and diazepam on behavioral deficits of this animal model.