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A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
Published on: November 6, 2018
Agmatine attenuates methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in rats
David A Thorn1, Jerrold C Winter, Jun-Xu Li
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, 102 Farber Hall, Buffalo, NY14214-3000, USA.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|February 15, 2012
Summary
Agmatine, a compound known for modulating opioid effects, was found to reduce the rewarding effects of methamphetamine in rats. This suggests agmatine may help decrease methamphetamine abuse liability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The polyamine agmatine influences various behaviors, including opioid abuse.
- Agmatine is being investigated as a potential treatment for opioid abuse.
- Limited research exists on agmatine's effects on other drugs of abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of agmatine on the rewarding effects of methamphetamine.
- To determine if agmatine can modulate methamphetamine's abuse liability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a conditioned place preference paradigm in rats.
- Administered varying doses of methamphetamine and agmatine.
- Assessed place preference development and expression.
Main Results:
- Methamphetamine produced a dose-dependent place preference.
- Agmatine (10-32mg/kg) significantly reduced the development of methamphetamine-induced place preference.
- Agmatine also decreased the expression of methamphetamine-induced place preference.
- Agmatine did not affect motor activity, ruling out general behavioral disruption.
Conclusions:
- Agmatine attenuates the rewarding effects of methamphetamine in rats.
- Agmatine shows potential for modulating methamphetamine abuse liability.
