Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Effect of CCK1 and CCK2 receptor blockade on amphetamine-stimulated exploratory behavior and sensitization to
1Department of Psychology, Center of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Tartu University, Tiigi 78, 50410 Tartu, Estonia.
Abstract:
Interactions between dopaminergic neurotransmission and cholecystokinin (CCK) in the CNS may be important in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders and substance abuse. In this study, the effect of coadministration of the selective CCK receptor antagonists devazepide and L-365,260 (for selectively blocking CCK1 and CCK2 receptors, respectively), on the effect of amphetamine on the rat exploratory behavior, and on sensitization of locomotor response to amphetamine, were studied. Amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) increased exploratory activity in the exploration box for 5 consecutive testing days, while devazepide (10 microg/kg) blocked and L-365,260 (10 microg/kg) enhanced amphetamine-induced stimulation of activity. Devazepide coadministration prevented the development of sensitization to amphetamine, while coadministration of L-365,260 with amphetamine potentiated the locomotor effect of a challenge dose of amphetamine. These results suggest that endogenous CCK, released during exploratory activity, shapes behavioral responses to amphetamine by acting on both receptor subtypes, and modulates the development of sensitization to amphetamine.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...

