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Calcium channel blockers and behavioral sensitization
R Karler1, S A Turkanis, L M Partlow
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Calcium channel blockers inhibit behavioral sensitization to amphetamine, suggesting a role for calcium and L-type channels in this process. This impacts understanding of drug addiction mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Behavioral sensitization to amphetamine involves excitatory amino acids (EAA).
- Sensitization comprises distinct induction and expression phases.
- Previous research implicated EAA in both phases of sensitization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of calcium channels in amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization.
- To determine if calcium channel blockers (CCB) affect the induction and expression of sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Administration of CCB (nifedipine, diltiazem, verapamil) during amphetamine sensitization experiments.
- Assessment of CCB effects on amphetamine-induced stereotypy.
- Comparison of CCB effects with DNQX, an antagonist of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate EAA receptors.
Main Results:
- CCB significantly blocked both the induction and expression of behavioral sensitization.
- CCB affected only the sensitized component of the response, not the acute amphetamine effect.
- The effects of CCB were comparable to those of DNQX.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral sensitization to amphetamine involves two components, one of which is EAA-dependent.
- Calcium influx through L-type calcium channels is implicated in behavioral sensitization.
- CCB represent a potential therapeutic target for modulating drug-induced behavioral changes.