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Verapamil suppresses d-amphetamine-induced place preference conditioning
O Pucilowski1, P L Garges, A H Rezvani
1Skipper Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine 27599.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|August 10, 1993
Summary
Verapamil pretreatment dose-dependently reduced the rewarding effects of d-amphetamine in male rats. This study indicates verapamil may counteract amphetamine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Amphetamine is a psychostimulant known for its reinforcing properties.
- Understanding substances that modulate drug reinforcement is crucial for addiction research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of verapamil on d-amphetamine-induced place preference in male rats.
- To determine if verapamil can suppress the reinforcing effects of d-amphetamine.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were pretreated with varying doses of verapamil (5, 10, 15 mg/kg) before d-amphetamine administration.
- Place preference conditioning was established using a two-compartment shuttle box over 8 sessions.
- Verapamil's effect was assessed by observing changes in conditioned place preference.
Main Results:
- Verapamil demonstrated a dose-dependent suppression of d-amphetamine-induced place preference.
- No significant place preference changes were observed when verapamil was administered without d-amphetamine.
Conclusions:
- Verapamil effectively suppresses the reinforcing properties of d-amphetamine in this experimental model.
- Verapamil shows potential as an agent to mitigate the rewarding effects of amphetamine.