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Intravenous cocaine self-administration in mice lacking 5-HT1B receptors
B A Rocha1, R Ator, M W Emmett-Oglesby
1Department of Pharmacology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth 76107, USA. br0001@jove.acs.unt.edu
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Mice lacking serotonin 5-HT1B receptors showed a quicker tendency to self-administer cocaine. However, these serotonin receptors did not affect the overall dose-response to cocaine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT1B subtype, are implicated in various behavioral processes.
- Understanding the role of specific serotonin receptors in drug addiction is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of 5-HT1B receptors in the acquisition and maintenance of cocaine self-administration.
- To compare the self-administration behavior of mice lacking 5-HT1B receptors with wild-type mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic mice genetically engineered to lack functional 5-HT1B receptors.
- Assessed intravenous cocaine self-administration under a fixed-ratio schedule in both mutant and wild-type mice.
- Evaluated dose-response relationships for cocaine (1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/kg/infusion).
Main Results:
- Mice lacking 5-HT1B receptors exhibited a significantly shorter latency in acquiring cocaine self-administration.
- No significant differences were observed in the dose-response curves between mutant and wild-type mice.
- Both groups successfully acquired food reinforcement and cocaine self-administration.
Conclusions:
- 5-HT1B receptors may play a role in the initial motivation or propensity to initiate cocaine self-administration.
- Other neurobiological mechanisms likely contribute to the maintenance of cocaine self-administration behavior.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complete circuitry and receptor systems involved in cocaine addiction.