Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Role of nitric oxide in amphetamine-induced sensitization of schedule-induced polydipsic rats
Yia-Ping Liu1, Che-Se Tung, Pai-Jone Lin
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, 161 Minchuan East Rd., Sec. 6, Taipei, Taiwan 114, Republic of China. yiaping@ms75.hinet.net
Rationale:
Repeated injections of amphetamine (AMPH) can progressively augment behavioral responses, a phenomenon known as behavioral sensitization. AMPH-induced behavioral sensitization can be demonstrated in a rat model of schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP).
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a nonspecific nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro arginine methyl ester (L: -NAME), on the AMPH sensitization effects in SIP.
Materials And Methods:
Rats were trained to establish SIP. The induction of AMPH sensitization in SIP was tested in either the home cage or a test cage. L: -NAME (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was co-administered with AMPH for five consecutive days, and its effect on induction was examined 3 and 14 days after withdrawal. The effect of L: -NAME on expression was examined on the final testing day by co-administration with AMPH in previously sensitized SIP rats.
Results:
AMPH-induced behavioral sensitization in SIP rats only occurred when AMPH was injected in the home cage. Pretreatment with L: -NAME successfully blocked the induction of this sensitization following both short and long-term withdrawal. Once sensitization had been established, L: -NAME had no further influence.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that SIP behavior observed after repeated AMPH treatment is mediated by an NO-associated mechanism.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
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...
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...
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

