N-acetylcysteine Facilitates Self-Imposed Abstinence After Escalation of Cocaine Intake.

ABSTRACT:

Background

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been suggested to prevent relapse to cocaine seeking. However, the psychological processes underlying its potential therapeutic benefit remain largely unknown.

Methods

We investigated the hallmark features of addiction that were influenced by chronic NAC treatment in rats given extended access to cocaine: escalation, motivation, self-imposed abstinence in the face of punishment, or propensity to relapse. For this, Sprague Dawley rats were given access either to 1 hour (short access) or 6 hours (long access [LgA]) self-administration (SA) sessions until LgA rats displayed a robust escalation. Rats then received daily saline or NAC (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) treatment and were tested under a progressive ratio and several consecutive sessi

SUBMITTER: Ducret E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4954758 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature