Discrete versus cumulative dosing in dose-response discrimination studies

This study describes the results of a 'side-by-side' comparison of two measurement techniques and two dosing regimens in a discrimination study using rats trained to either 10 mg/kg cocaine or 2 mg/kg 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The measurements employed were either quantal or quantitative; the former an all-or-none correct lever selection measure and the latter a measure of all responses made at the time that the criterion for selection was met. The dosing regimens were either a discrete single injection of lower doses than used in training or a cumulative dose administration sequence, in an ascending order, during one session on two separate occasions. Results indicate that the cumulative dose-response relationships, as indicated by both the slope of the curve or the generated ED50 value, for the discrete and cumulative dose response curves do not significantly differ. In addition, both the quantal and quantitative measurements yield almost identical ED50 values, thus allowing for accurate comparability of drug-discrimination data using different techniques. The present experimentation employed two drugs known to produce heightened response rates which would not allow for behavioral suppression at the highest doses used either in discrete or cumulative regimens. The pharmacokinetics of the two drugs employed in the discrimination tests are considered and discussed in light of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the two methods employed.