Related Experiment Videos
Mifepristone prevents the expression of long-term behavioural sensitization to amphetamine
T J De Vries1, A N Schoffelmeer, G H Tjon
1Graduate School Neurosciences Amsterdam, Research Institute Neurosciences Vrije Universiteit, Department of Pharmacology, Free University, Medical Faculty, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Three weeks following intermittent amphetamine exposure (2.5 mg/kg/day for 5 days), rats showed an enhanced locomotor response to an amphetamine challenge. Mifepristone (20 mg/kg) given 45 min prior to the challenge completely prevented the expression of amphetamine hyperresponsiveness. The glucocorticoid antagonist did not affect the locomotor response to amphetamine in drug-naive rats. These data demonstrate for the first time that glucocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment may prevent long-term hyperreactivity to drugs of abuse in individuals with a drug history.