The disruptive effect of cocaine on prepulse inhibition is prevented by repeated administration in rats

These experiments tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with a behaviorally sensitizing regimen of cocaine alters the ability of cocaine to disrupt prepulse inhibition (PPI). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with cocaine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline vehicle for seven consecutive days followed by challenge treatment seven days later. Repeated cocaine treatment produced sensitization of stereotyped activity. Cocaine challenge following repeated vehicle treatment significantly reduced PPI, but this effect was completely abolished by repeated cocaine treatment. These data suggest that neuroadaptation following repeated treatment might prevent PPI disruption caused by psychomotor stimulants.