(±)VK4-40, a novel dopamine D₃ receptor partial agonist, attenuates cocaine reward and relapse in rodents.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Despite widespread abuse of cocaine, there are no approved treatments for cocaine use disorder. Chronic cocaine use is associated with up-regulated dopamine D₃ receptor expression in the brain. Therefore, most D₃ -based medication development has focused on D₃ antagonists. However, D₃ antagonists do not attenuate cocaine intake under "easy" self-administration conditions, when response requirements are low. We evaluated a novel, highly selective and metabolically stable D₃ partial agonist, (±)VK4-40, for its efficacy in reducing cocaine intake and relapse to drug seeking.

Experimental approach

The impact of (±)VK4-40 on cocaine intake and relapse was evaluated using intravenous self-administration

SUBMITTER: Jordan CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7520435 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature