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A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Methamphetamine-induced deficits in social interaction are not observed following abstinence from single or repeated
Sarine S Janetsian1, Aqilah M McCane, David N Linsenbardt
1aIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Department of Psychology bIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, School of Science, Institute for Mathematical Modeling and Computational Science cIndiana University School of Medicine, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of the current study was to assess social interaction (SI) following acute and repeated methamphetamine (MA) administration. Rats were injected with 5.0 mg/kg of MA and SI was tested 30 min or 24 h later. In another group of animals, MA sensitization was induced using 5.0 mg/kg of MA, and SI was assessed after 1 or 30 days of abstinence. SI was reduced in rats injected with MA 30 min, but not 24 h, before testing, compared with saline controls. Impaired SI was observed in combination with active avoidance of the conspecific animal. Repeated injections of MA progressively reduced locomotor activity and increased stereotypy, indicating that animals were sensitized. However, no differences in SI were observed 24 h or 30 days following the induction of sensitization. The absence of detectable differences in SI following MA sensitization may be attributable to the relatively short regimen used to induce sensitization. However, the current series of experiments provides evidence that an acute injection of MA decreases SI and simultaneously increases avoidance behavior, which supports a link between psychostimulant use and impaired social functioning. These data suggest that the acute injection model may provide a useful model to explore the neural basis of impaired social functioning and antisocial behavior.
Insights
Acute methamphetamine (MA) administration impairs social interaction (SI) in rats, leading to increased avoidance. However, MA-induced sensitization did not significantly alter SI after abstinence, suggesting complex effects of psychostimulant exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (MA) use is associated with significant social and behavioral deficits.
- Understanding the impact of MA on social interaction (SI) is crucial for addressing psychostimulant abuse.
- Animal models are essential for investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of MA's effects on social behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of acute and repeated methamphetamine administration on social interaction in a rat model.
- To determine if MA-induced sensitization influences social interaction after varying periods of abstinence.
- To explore the relationship between psychostimulant use, social deficits, and avoidance behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Rats received acute or repeated doses of methamphetamine (5.0 mg/kg).
- Social interaction was assessed at different time points post-administration (30 min, 24 h).
- Methamphetamine sensitization was induced, and social interaction was tested after 1 and 30 days of abstinence.
Main Results:
- Acute MA administration significantly reduced social interaction 30 min post-injection, accompanied by increased avoidance of conspecifics.
- No significant differences in social interaction were observed 24 h after acute MA or at 24 h or 30 days following sensitization.
- Repeated MA administration induced sensitization, evidenced by reduced locomotor activity and increased stereotypy.
Conclusions:
- Acute methamphetamine exposure impairs social interaction and promotes avoidance behavior in rats.
- Methamphetamine sensitization, under the tested regimen, did not lead to lasting deficits in social interaction.
- The acute injection model offers a valuable tool for studying the neural basis of impaired social functioning and antisocial behavior associated with psychostimulant use.
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