Resistance exercise decreases heroin self-administration and alters gene expression in the nucleus accumbens of heroin-exposed rats.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Preclinical studies consistently report that aerobic exercise decreases drug self-administration and other forms of drug-seeking behavior; however, relatively few studies have examined other types of physical activity.

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of resistance exercise (i.e., strength training) on heroin self-administration and mRNA expression of genes known to mediate opioid reinforcement and addictive behavior in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of heroin-exposed rats.

Methods

Female rats were obtained during late adolescence and divided into two groups. Resistance exercise rats were trained to climb a vertical ladder wearing a weighted vest; sedentary control rats were placed repeatedly on the ladder oriented horizont

SUBMITTER: Smith MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5871570 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature