Effects of a novel fentanyl derivative on drug discrimination and learning in rhesus monkeys

Lisa R. Gerak, Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, Jerome R. Bagley, Linda L. Brockunier, Charles P. France

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three monkeys discriminated 1.78 mg/kg of mirfentanil while responding under a fixed-ratio 5 schedule of stimulus-shock termination. Two mirfentanil derivatives, OHM3295 and OHM10579, substituted for mirfentanil in all subjects. However, other drugs produced variable effects among monkeys; for example, μ and κ opioid agonists and clonidine substituted for mirfentanil on some occasions in two monkeys. Cocaine, amphetamine, and ketamine did not substitute in any subject. Opioid antagonists did not attenuate the effects of mirfentanil. In monkeys responding under a repeated acquisition and performance procedure, errors increased only during the acquisition phase at doses of mirfentanil that decreased response rates. Thus, unlike fentanyl, the discriminative stimulus effects of mirfentanil do not appear to be mediated exclusively through opioid receptors. Finally, mirfentanil does not appear to disrupt complex behavioral processes. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)367-371
Number of pages5
JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Volume64
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Discriminative stimulus effects
  • Fentanyl derivative
  • Mirfentanil
  • Rhesus monkey

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biological Psychiatry
  • Biochemistry
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of a novel fentanyl derivative on drug discrimination and learning in rhesus monkeys'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this