Assessing behavioral reallocation after acute environmental manipulations using an asymmetric cocaine versus sucrose choice task in male and female rats.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Maladaptive drug choice is a defining component of substance use disorders; whereby drug misuse persists despite adverse consequences. A goal of behavioral interventions, such as contingency management programs, is to promote reallocation of behavior towards adaptive pursuits. The neurobiological mechanisms that govern behavioral reallocation in the context of ongoing cocaine use remain poorly understood.

Objective

Here, we demonstrate a cocaine versus sucrose choice paradigm in male and female rats using a novel format that dissuades exclusive sucrose or cocaine choice by offering sucrose pellets on a progressive ratio, while cocaine infusions are offered at a low, fixed ratio. Maintenance of both drug and non-drug choice will allow for the investigation of behavi

SUBMITTER: Nowak DB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12636728 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature