Neuroscience 2002 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 900.10 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Intracranial Self-Administration and Psychomotor Stimulant Effects of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. |
| Authors: |
Zangen, A.*1
; Solinas, M.1
; Goldberg, S. R.1
; Wise, R. A.1
1Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, NIDA/IRP, Baltimore, MD |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Addiction and Drugs of Abuse -- Opioids and others |
| Session: |
900. Addiction and drugs of abuse: opioids and others V Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Thursday, November 7, 2002 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | Hall A2-B3 Z-72 |
| Keywords: | Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Reward, Intracranial Self-Administration, Ventral Tegmental Area |
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most widely abused illicit drug and its reinforcing properties have been demonstrated in animal models. However, the brain regions that are involved in the reinforcing effects of THC have not been identified yet. In the present study we investigated the rewarding and psychomotor stimulant effects of THC in several discrete brain sites. We found that rats would learn to lever-press for microinjections of THC directly into the posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA). Lever-pressing for THC in the posterior VTA was extinguished when vehicle was substituted for the drug, and was reinstated when THC reinforcement was re-established. Rats did not learn to lever-press for microinjections of THC into the anterior VTA or into a region dorsal to the posterior VTA. Injection of THC into the posterior VTA induced a moderate increase in the locomotor activity, while injections into the anterior or dorsal to VTA did not affect locomotion. The effects of THC in the nucleus accumbens (NAS) were weaker then those in the posterior VTA. Rats learned to lever-press for microinjections of THC into the NAS shell but not into the NAS core. Lever-pressing for THC in the NAS shell was extinguished when vehicle was substituted for the drug, but not significantly reinstated when THC reinforcement was re-established. Injection of THC into the NAS shell induced a modest increase in locomotor activity, while injections into the NAS core did not affect locomotion. The present findings implicate the posterior VTA in the reinforcing effects of THC, while further investigation will determine whether the NAS shell also play a role in THC reinforcement.
Supported by NIDA IRP
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2002 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Orlando, FL: Society for Neuroscience, 2002. Online.
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