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Dimenhydrinate produces a conditioned place preference in rats
Alison G Halpert1, Mary C Olmstead, Richard J Beninger
1Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|May 22, 2003
Summary
Dimenhydrinate (DMH) and diphenhydramine (DP) show rewarding effects in rats, indicated by conditioned place preference. 8-chlorotheophylline did not produce rewarding effects, suggesting DMH and DP, but not its component, are reinforcing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Dimenhydrinate (DMH), a combination of diphenhydramine (DP) and 8-chlorotheophylline, is known for potential abuse in humans.
- Limited research exists on the reinforcing properties of DMH and its constituents in animal models.
- Understanding the rewarding effects of DMH is crucial for assessing its abuse potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rewarding effects of dimenhydrinate (DMH) and its components, diphenhydramine (DP) and 8-chlorotheophylline, in a rat model.
- To determine if DMH and its constituents elicit conditioned place preference (CPP), a measure of drug reward.
- To explore the relationship between locomotor activity and rewarding effects of DMH and DP.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm involving drug or vehicle conditioning and subsequent testing.
- Doses of DMH (25.0-60.0 mg/kg), DP (27.0-37.8 mg/kg), and 8-chlorotheophylline (23.0-32.2 mg/kg) were administered during conditioning.
- Locomotor activity was monitored, and CPP was assessed by measuring time spent in the drug-paired compartment.
Main Results:
- Significant CPP was observed for DMH at 60.0 mg/kg and for DP at 37.8 mg/kg, indicating rewarding effects.
- No significant CPP was found for any tested dose of 8-chlorotheophylline.
- Both DMH and DP increased locomotor activity, with DMH and DP showing sensitization, but higher doses of DMH were required for CPP than for sensitization.
Conclusions:
- Dimenhydrinate (DMH) and diphenhydramine (DP) possess rewarding properties in rats, supporting their potential for abuse.
- 8-chlorotheophylline, a component of DMH, does not appear to have significant rewarding effects on its own.
- A dissociation exists between the locomotor-stimulating and rewarding effects of DMH, with higher doses needed for reward.