Abstract
Because ethanol has N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist effects, we tested whether dizocilpine, an NMDA antagonist, reinstates ethanol-seeking behavior. Rats were trained to lever-press for a 10% ethanol/2% sucrose (EtOH) or a 3% sucrose (Suc) solution using a two-lever (one lever active) procedure (FR2). After extinction, rats were injected with ethanol (0.5 g/kg). The EtOH group emitted more active than inactive lever presses and the Suc group showed minimal responding. Thus, ethanol reinstated ethanol-seeking behavior in a specific manner. In contrast, dizocilpine (0.175 mg/kg) increased responding on both levers in both groups suggesting a loss of discriminative control. Dizocilpine fails to reinstate ethanol-seeking behavior. These data also demonstrate the necessity of using a discriminative, two-lever test for drug reinstatement.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 591-598 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Life Sciences |
Volume | 69 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 22 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Alcohol self-administration
- NMDA antagonist
- Rat
- Relapse
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)