Rauwolscine is a selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist that inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis.
Rauwolscine (0.5 mg/kg, daily) reduces tumor growth by enhancing apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation in Balb/c female virgin mice[1].Rauwolscine (i.v., 2.24 mg/kg) can significantly release lick-shock conflict responding in rats similar to the α agonist clonidine (0.022 mg/kg) and the benzodiazepine diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) [2].
References:
[1]. A Bruzzone, et al. Alpha2-adrenoceptor action on cell proliferation and mammary tumour growth in mice. Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Oct;155(4):494-504.
[2]. S La Marca, et al. The alpha-2 antagonists idazoxan and rauwolscine but not yohimbine or piperoxan are anxiolytic in the Vogel lick-shock conflict paradigm following intravenous administration. Life Sci. 1994;54(10):PL179-84.