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Published on: May 18, 2020
The role of L-type calcium channels in the development and expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Flint, 415 East Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48502, United States.
Abstract:
Behavioral sensitization is thought to play a significant role in drug addiction. L-type calcium channels have been implicated in sensitization to stimulant and opiate drugs but it is unclear if these channels also contribute to sensitization to ethanol. The effects of three L-type calcium channel blockers, nifedipine (1-7.5 mg/kg), diltiazem (12.5-50 mg/kg), and verapamil (12.5 and 25 mg/kg), on sensitization to ethanol (2 g/kg) were examined in DBA/2J mice. All three blockers reduced but did not prevent expression of sensitization. Only nifedipine blocked acquisition of sensitization. Nifedipine and verapamil decreased blood ethanol levels. The current findings suggest L-type calcium channels do not play a substantial role in sensitization to ethanol and that the neural mechanisms underlying sensitization to ethanol are distinct from those mediating sensitization to stimulants and opiates.
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