Dopaminergic mechanisms of reinstatement of MDMA-seeking behaviour in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Animal models of drug-seeking suggest that exposure to cues associated with self-administered drugs and drug primes might precipitate relapse via activation of central dopaminergic substrates.

Experimental approach

The effects of priming injections of dopamine and 5-HT agonists on drug-seeking and effects of dopamine antagonists on methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-produced potentiation of drug-seeking following extinguished MDMA self-administration were examined.

Key results

Drug-seeking was produced by exposure to a light stimulus that had been paired with self-administered MDMA infusions and this effect was potentiated by experimenter-administered injections of the dopamine D(2) -like receptor agonist, quinpirole, the indirect agonist, amp

SUBMITTER: Schenk S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3081120 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature