Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
07:32
Novel Apparatus and Method for Drug Reinforcement
Published on: August 20, 2010
Comparative effects of cathinone and amphetamine on fixed-interval operant responding: a rate-dependency analysis
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Dl-cathinone and d-amphetamine exhibit similar stimulant effects in rats, with cathinone showing amphetamine-like properties and weak aversive effects, suggesting potential reinforcing capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cathinone, the active compound in Khat, is a psychostimulant.
- Understanding cathinone's behavioral effects is crucial for assessing its abuse potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the behavioral effects of dl-cathinone and d-amphetamine in rats.
- To investigate the reinforcing and aversive properties of cathinone.
Main Methods:
- Operant responding in rats under a Fixed Interval 2-minute schedule.
- Administration of dl-cathinone and d-amphetamine.
- Assessment of drug-induced rate constancy and conditioned taste aversion.
Main Results:
- Both dl-cathinone and d-amphetamine suppressed operant responding with similar durations of action.
- Drug effects were rate-dependent, attributed to drug-induced rate constancy.
- Methysergide did not differentially affect the suppressant effects of the two compounds.
- The potency ratio of dl-cathinone to d-amphetamine was approximately 1:3, consistent with other behavioral tests.
- Cathinone showed significantly weaker potency in conditioned taste aversion compared to amphetamine.
Conclusions:
- Cathinone's behavioral actions are qualitatively similar to amphetamine.
- Cathinone's amphetamine-like stimulant actions and weak aversive properties suggest significant reinforcing potential.
- Cathinone may possess potent reinforcing properties, warranting further investigation into its psychostimulant effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
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...
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...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:08Timing and Consequences on Behavior
In operant conditioning, the timing of reinforcement is crucial. For animals like rats and cats, immediate reinforcement (within a few seconds) is much more effective than delayed reinforcement. For example, a food reward for a rat needs to follow within 30 seconds of pressing a bar to be effective.
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...