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Updated: May 30, 2026

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
A 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist potentiates a low dose amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference
John D McCorvy1, Aubrie A Harland, Rebecca Maglathlin
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Abstract:
This study was designed to determine whether a 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist could induce a conditioned place preference indicative of reward and/or abuse potential. Here, we present the first evidence that a selective 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist, 6-chloro-5-ethoxy-N-(pyridin-2-yl)indoline-1-carboxamide hydrochloride (CEPC), can potentiate a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) amphetamine-induced positive conditioned place preference (CPP). CEPC did not produce any CPP given alone at doses of either 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg, whereas low dose amphetamine alone produced only a slight, but statistically nonsignificant, place preference. These studies suggest that 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonists can indirectly potentiate the rewarding effects of amphetamine, and perhaps other psychostimulants. If the results can be translated to man, putative 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist treatments for anxiety or depression may enhance or potentiate the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse such as amphetamine, which release dopamine.
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