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Glucocorticoid-reinforced responding in the rhesus monkey
J H Broadbear1, G Winger, J H Woods
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0632, USA. jillianb@umich.edu
Psychopharmacology
|December 11, 1999
Summary
Glucocorticoids were not found to be reinforcing in most rhesus monkeys, suggesting limited potential for drug-seeking behavior. However, significant individual differences in self-administration were observed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids exhibit rewarding effects in rats.
- Potential for drug-seeking behavior in humans under certain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate intravenous self-administration of glucocorticoids in rhesus monkeys.
- Determine if glucocorticoids act as reinforcers in non-human primates.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) underwent intravenous self-administration procedures.
- Dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone were tested.
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity was monitored.
Main Results:
- Limited self-administration of glucocorticoids observed across most subjects.
- One male monkey reliably self-administered multiple glucocorticoids.
- No evidence of reinforcement in female monkeys.
- Individual differences in self-administration behavior were notable.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoids were not reinforcing for the majority of monkeys studied.
- Significant individual variability exists in the propensity for glucocorticoid self-administration.
- Further research may explore factors contributing to these individual differences.