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Cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in the young rat
A R Zavala1, A Nazarian, C A Crawford
1Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino 92407, USA.
Psychopharmacology
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Young rats can show cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization even after a long abstinence period. The duration of cocaine pretreatment and the environment where it was administered significantly impact the persistence of this sensitized response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Repeated psychostimulant administration can sensitize locomotor activity in young rats.
- Evidence is conflicting regarding the persistence of this sensitized response following drug abstinence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if young rats exhibit locomotor sensitization after extended drug abstinence.
- To investigate if pretreatment duration and environmental conditioning affect the longevity of this sensitized response.
Main Methods:
- Young rats received daily cocaine (15 or 30 mg/kg) or saline for 5 or 10 days.
- Locomotion was measured post-injection in activity chambers.
- Environmental context (activity chamber vs. home cage) was manipulated.
- Sensitization was assessed after 1 or 7 days of abstinence.
Main Results:
- Locomotor sensitization to cocaine was observed in young rats after both 1 and 7 days of abstinence.
- Longer cocaine pretreatment (10 days) was necessary for sensitization after a 7-day abstinence period.
- Environmental context was crucial; cocaine pretreatment in the home cage abolished sensitization after 7 days of abstinence.
Conclusions:
- Young rats can exhibit cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization after prolonged abstinence.
- The duration of cocaine pretreatment and the environmental context of administration are critical factors influencing the persistence of locomotor sensitization.