The vagus nerve mediates the suppressing effects of peripherally administered oxytocin on methamphetamine self-administration and seeking in rats.

ABSTRACT: The neuropeptide oxytocin has emerged as a promising pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine (METH) addiction, and clinical trials of intranasal oxytocin are underway. However, there is debate as to how peripherally administered oxytocin alters brain signalling to modulate addiction processes. Interestingly, there is evidence for functional interactions between peripheral oxytocin administration and the vagus nerve. Therefore, this study investigated whether the effects of peripherally administered oxytocin require vagal signalling to reduce METH self-administration and reinstatement of METH-seeking behaviours. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgery for jugular catheterisation and either subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) or a sham operation. Rats were trained to self-administer ME

SUBMITTER: Everett NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7852687 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature