A limited access oral oxycodone paradigm produces physical dependence and mesocorticolimbic region-dependent increases in DeltaFosB expression without preference.

ABSTRACT: The abuse of oral formulations of prescription opioids has precipitated the current opioid epidemic. We developed an oral oxycodone consumption model consisting of a limited access (4 h) two-bottle choice drinking in the dark (TBC-DID) paradigm and quantified dependence with naloxone challenge using mice of both sexes. We also assessed neurobiological correlates of withdrawal and dependence elicited via oral oxycodone consumption using immunohistochemistry for DeltaFosB (ΔFosB), a transcription factor described as a molecular marker for drug addiction. Neither sex developed a preference for the oxycodone bottle, irrespective of oxycodone concentration, bottle position or prior water restriction. Mice that volitionally consumed oxycodone exhibited hyperlocomotion in an open field test and s

SUBMITTER: Iyer V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8817207 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature