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Variations in cocaine self-administration by inbred rat strains under a progressive-ratio schedule

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Abstract

This study investigated the influence of genetics on extent of cocaine taking in rats that were self-administering cocaine under a progressive-ratio schedule. Fischer 344, ACI and Brown Norway rats were subjects because previous genetic studies on dopamine receptor loci have indicated that these are genetically divergent strains. All subjects were assessed for acquisition and stability of cocaine self-administration under a progressive-ratio schedule. Subsequently, a dose-effect curve for cocaine self-administration was determined for each strain. Fischer 344 rats maintained a higher average breaking point than did the ACI or Brown Norway strains. In addition, dopamine receptor antagonists differentially reduced the ability of cocaine to serve as a reinforcer across the three strains. The D1-selective dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, and the D2/D3-selective dopamine receptor antagonist, eticlopride, were significantly more effective in reducing the self-administration of cocaine in Brown Norway rats than for the other two strains. The results of this study demonstrate that genetic differences may play an important role in determining responding under progressive-ratio schedules for cocaine, possibly due to differences in the reinforcing efficacy of cocaine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division on Substance Abuse York State Psychiatric Institute and Department Psychiatry of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, West 168th St., Unit 66, 10032, New York, NY, USA

    A. S. Ward

  2. Department of Pharmacology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, 76107-2699, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    D. H. Li, R. R. Luedtke & M. W. Emmett-Oglesby

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  1. A. S. Ward
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  2. D. H. Li
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  3. R. R. Luedtke
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  4. M. W. Emmett-Oglesby
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These experiments were conducted in accordance with “Principles of laboratory animal care” (NIH publication No. 85-23, revised 1985)

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Ward, A.S., Li, D.H., Luedtke, R.R. et al. Variations in cocaine self-administration by inbred rat strains under a progressive-ratio schedule. Psychopharmacology 127, 204–212 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02246128

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02246128

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