Behavioral sensitization to cocaine in rats: Evidence for temporal differences in dopamine D 3 and D 2 receptor sensitivity

Gregory T. Collins, Yen Nhu Thi Truong, Beth Levant, Jianyong Chen, Shaomeng Wang, James H. Woods

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rationale Cocaine-induced changes in D 2 receptors have been implicated in the expression of sensitized behavioral responses and addiction-like behaviors; however, the influence of D 3 receptors is less clear. Objectives To characterize the effects of repeated cocaine administration on the sensitivity of rats to D 2- and D 3-mediated behaviors, as well as the binding properties of ventral striatal D 2-like and D 3 receptors. Methods Pramipexole was used to assess the sensitivity of rats to D 3/D 2 agonist-induced yawning, hypothermia, and locomotor activity, 24 h, 72 h, 10, 21, and 42 days after repeated cocaine or saline administration. The locomotor effects of cocaine (42 day) and the binding properties of ventral striatal D 2-like and D 3 receptors (24 h and 42 days) were also evaluated. Results Cocaine-treated rats displayed an enhanced locomotor response to cocaine, as well as a progressive and persistent leftward/upward shift of the ascending limb (72 h-42 day) and leftward shift of the descending limb (42 days) of the pramipexole-induced yawning dose-response curve. Cocaine treatment also decreased Bmax and K d for D 2-like receptors and increased D 3 receptor binding at 42 days. Cocaine treatment did not change pramipexole-induced hypothermia or locomotor activity or yawning induced by cholinergic or serotonergic agonists. Conclusions These studies suggest that temporal differences exist in the development of cocaine-induced sensitization of D 3 and D 2 receptors, with enhancements of D 3-mediated behavioral effects observed within 72 h and enhancements of D 2-mediated behavioral effects apparent 42 days after cocaine. These findings highlight the need to consider changes in D 3 receptor function when thinking about the behavioral plasticity that occurs during abstinence from cocaine use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)609-620
Number of pages12
JournalPsychopharmacology
Volume215
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cocaine
  • Dopamine D receptor
  • Dopamine D2 receptor
  • Pramipexole
  • Sensitization
  • Yawning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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