Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 690.6 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Self-administration of δ-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) in rats: Developing an animal model. |
| Authors: |
Cardon, A. L.*1
; Valles, R.1
; Rocha, A.1
; Nation, J. R.1
1Psych, Texas A&M Univ, College Station, TX |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Addiction and Drugs of Abuse -- Cannabinoids |
| Session: |
690. Drugs of Abuse: Cannabinoids Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, October 26, 2004 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # EEE10 |
| Keywords: | DRUG ABUSE, CANNABINOIDS, MARIJUANA, OPERANT |
One of the more valid animal models of abuse potential and addictive liability of drugs is self-administration. Research employing the self-administration paradigm has yielded advancements in our understanding of both general neural reward mechanisms and more specific effects of cocaine, heroin, nicotine, alcohol, and other common drugs of abuse. However, despite the widespread use and abuse of marijuana in the general public for thousands of years, reliable self-administration of the active chemical, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), has been achieved only recently and only in a single animal species, namely squirrel monkeys. We present the results of two attempts to train Sprague-Dawley rats to self-administer the drug through chronic indwelling jugular catheters. In the first experiment, rats were trained to self-administer cocaine and then tested daily at various doses of THC dissolved in a solution of saline, Tween-80, and ethanol. In the second experiment, rats were trained to lever press for a sucrose reinforcer prior to surgery. Following implantation of the catheter, animals were tested on alternate days at various doses of THC dissolved in a solution of saline, propylene glycol, Tween-80, and ethanol. Though some animals demonstrated dose-dependent response rates in both experiments, the pattern was stronger in experiment 2. The differences between the results of these experiments indicate that a procedure for reliable self-administration of THC in the rat may ultimately be developed.
Supported by United States Public Health Grant DA13188
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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