A new experimental rat model of nocebo-related nausea involving double mechanisms of observational learning and conditioning.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The nocebo effect, such as nausea and vomiting, is one of the major reasons patients discontinue therapy. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown due to a lack of reliable experimental models. The goal of this study was to develop a new animal model of nocebo-related nausea by combining observational learning and Pavlovian conditioning paradigms.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine were given 0.9% saline (a placebo) or LiCl (a nausea inducer) following headache relief, according to different paradigms.

Results

Both strategies provoked nocebo nausea responses, with the conditioning paradigm having a greater induction impact. The superposition of two mechanisms led to a further increase in nausea responses. A preliminary investigati

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10848046 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature