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Priming as a model of behavioural sensitization.
G Di Chiara1, M Morelli, P Barone
1Department of Toxicology, University of Calgliari, Italy.
Developmental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Repeated drug exposure causes behavioral sensitization, an increased response to stimulant drugs. Priming studies show this involves heightened dopamine receptor activity in the brain, particularly D-1 receptors in the caudate nucleus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Repeated exposure to stimulant drugs induces behavioral sensitization.
- Behavioral sensitization is characterized by increased responsiveness to the stimulant properties of drugs.
- Priming serves as a model for studying the neural and molecular underpinnings of behavioral sensitization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms of behavioral sensitization using a priming model.
- To examine the role of dopamine transmission in the caudate nucleus during sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a priming model to induce behavioral sensitization.
- Assessed the responsiveness of postsynaptic dopamine receptor mechanisms.
- Focused on the caudate nucleus as a key brain region.
Main Results:
- Priming leads to enhanced responsiveness of postsynaptic dopamine receptors.
- This increased responsiveness is observed in the caudate nucleus.
- Evidence suggests a possible increase in the affinity of the D-1 dopamine receptor for its agonist.
Conclusions:
- Priming effectively models behavioral sensitization.
- Dopamine receptor mechanisms in the caudate nucleus are crucial for sensitization.
- Altered D-1 receptor affinity may underlie the heightened response observed in behavioral sensitization.