Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 236.13 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Effect of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 on self-administration of methamphetamine into the rat <I>nucleus accumbens.</I> |
| Authors: |
Flores, L. C.*1,2
; Thompson, K. J.1,2
; Derrick, B. E.1,2
; Martinez, J. L.1,2
1Cajal Neurosci. Inst., The Univ. of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 2Biol., The Univ. of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Addiction and Drugs of Abuse -- Psychostimulants (amphetamine and cocaine) |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions<br />- Addiction and Drugs of Abuse<br />-- Cannabinoids |
| Session: |
236. Drugs of Abuse: Amphetamines I Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, October 24, 2004 8:00 AM-9:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # EEE18 |
| Keywords: | METHAMPHETAMINE, CANNABINOIDS, NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS, ADDICTION |
Methamphetamine and marijuana are drugs that are often abused together. Methamphetamine is a powerful psychostimulant, inducing a pleasurable “rush” in users due to a release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). The NAcc also has a moderate density of cannabinoid receptors, which are stimulated by marijuana use, suggesting that the NAcc is involved with cannabis dependence as well. It was the goal of this study to determine if an interaction exists between methamphetamine and cannabis, and if the NAcc is the site of this interaction. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-325g) were trained to selectively press an active lever for food. After training, the rats underwent surgery, in which a cannula guide was inserted into their brains at the level of the NAcc. After seven days of recovery, methamphetamine (10µg/µL) was self-administered into the NAcc via reverse microdialysis. AM 251, a selective CB1 cannabinoid antagonist, or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide was dialyzed directly into the NAcc before all self-administration sessions. Each session consisted of 30 trials, in which the animal had the opportunity to press the active lever for reward. Sessions continued for ten days. AM 251 (1µg/µL) significantly reduced methamphetamine self-administration (p=0.025), but AM 251 (0.1µg/µL) did not (p=0.052). It is possible that AM 251 reduces the dopamine release induced by methamphetamine and thus, the rewarding effects of the drug. This study provides more evidence of cannabinoid system involvement with other drugs of abuse.
Supported by The National Institutes of Health (DA 04195 and RR013646-06A1 to JLM), NIMH COR program grant to LCF, and the Ewing Halsell Endowment to JLM.
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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