8-OH-DPAT-induced place preference and place aversion: effects of PCPA and dopamine antagonists

Low doses of 8-OH-DPAT (62.5-250 micrograms/kg) were reinforcing in the place preference conditioning procedure, while a higher dose (1 mg/kg) supported a conditioned place aversion. The 5-HT synthesis inhibitor PCPA, and the DA antagonists pimozide and sulpiride, had no effect when administered alone, but abolished the 8-OH-DPAT-induced place preference. However, neither PCPA nor pimozide altered the 8-OH-DPAT-induced place aversion. The results are consistent with other evidence showing that 8-OH-DPAT acts through different mechanisms at low and high doses, and support the hypothesis that low doses of 8-OH-DPAT act through 5-HT neurons to disinhibit dopaminergic activity.