Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
08:54
A Procedure for Studying the Footshock-Induced Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking in Laboratory Rats
Published on: January 6, 2011
Cocaine decreases self-control in rats: a preliminary report
A W Logue1, H Tobin, J J Chelonis
1Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794.
Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Cocaine use in rats impaired self-control, leading them to choose immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones. This research highlights cocaine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cocaine abuse is linked to prioritizing short-term gains over long-term consequences.
- Empirical research on cocaine's specific impact on self-control is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cocaine on self-control in a preclinical model.
- To determine if cocaine alters the choice between immediate and delayed rewards.
Main Methods:
- Food-deprived rats were trained to choose between larger, delayed food rewards and smaller, immediate food rewards.
- Rats received chronic intraperitoneal injections of cocaine (15 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg).
- Choice behavior was monitored to assess changes in self-control.
Main Results:
- Cocaine administration (15 mg/kg) significantly reduced the rats' selection of the larger, delayed food reinforcer.
- Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) did not produce a similar effect on self-control.
- Cocaine exposure impaired the ability to delay gratification.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine administration can decrease self-control in rats.
- These findings suggest a potential neurobiological mechanism underlying impulsive behaviors associated with cocaine abuse.
- Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic interventions targeting self-control deficits in cocaine addiction.
