Abstract
This study clarifies the modulating action of the nicotinic cholinergic system on reinstatement of methamphetamine (MAP)-seeking behavior (craving) using an intravenous, self-administration paradigm in rats. After self-administration of MAP for 10 days, replacing MAP with saline solution (MAP withdrawal) gradually decreased lever-pressing responses. On the sixth day of MAP withdrawal, MAP (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.)-priming injection significantly increased lever-pressing responses (reinstatement of MAP-seeking behavior). This MAP-seeking behavior was attenuated by repeated nicotine administration for 5 days during MAP withdrawal, and this attenuating effect was antagonized by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. These results suggest that the appearance of MAP-seeking behavior may be due to inactivation of the nicotinic cholinergic neuron. Furthermore, it is suggested that nicotinic activating agents may be useful in preventing relapse to drug abuse.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 504-507 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
| Volume | 1025 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Methamphetamine
- Nicotine
- Priming
- Reinstatement
- Self-administration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- General Neuroscience
- History and Philosophy of Science