Naloxone enhances the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference

The present study examined the effects of naloxone on acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Three groups of rats were given morphine (5 mg/kg, SC), both morphine and naloxone (1 mg/kg, SC), or saline paired with a distinctive environment. On alternating days they were given saline paired with another distinctive environment. After four exposures to each environment, the animals were given a preference test in which they had access to both environments simultaneously while under the influence of either naloxone (1 mg/kg, SC) or saline. Morphine-conditioned animals showed CPP evident as an increased amount of time spent in the drug-associated environment relative to saline controls. Rats given both naloxone and morphine during conditioning, and saline on the test day, did not show CPP. In contrast, morphine-conditioned animals given naloxone on the test day showed stronger CPP than morphine-conditioned animals given saline. These findings indicate that naloxone blocks the acquisition, but enhances the expression of morphine-induced CPP. In a separate experiment, the effects of naloxone on locomotor activity were determined during the CPP test. The results indicated that naloxone decreased locomotor activity. In morphine-conditioned animals only, naloxone also produced an increase in the amount of time per entry in the drug-associated environment. The results suggest that naloxone may enhance morphine-induced CPP by decreasing locomotor activity that may otherwise compete with expression of CPP.     

Calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine attenuates the development and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats

The effect of trifluoperazine, a calmodulin inhibitor, on morphine-induced conditioned place preference was examined in rats. Morphine (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced significant place preference for the drug-associated place. Trifluoperazine significantly suppressed the development as well as the expression of morphine-induced place preference in a dose-dependent manner, but it neither produced place preference or aversion, nor affected locomotor activity. Injection of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist, did not alter the inhibition by trifluoperazine of morphine-induced place preference. Verapamil, at the dose that failed to change the place preference induced by morphine, enhanced the inhibition by trifluoperazine of morphine-induced place preference. These findings provide the first demonstration that trifluoperazine attenuates morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. The action of trifluoperazine might be produced through its inhibition of calmodulin, but is probably not related to dopamine receptor blockade.     

Morphine-conditioned single-trial place preference: role of nucleus accumbens shell dopamine receptors in acquisition, but not expression

Rationale A large body of evidence indicates an involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathway innervating the ventral striatum in the motivational effects of drug abuse.Objective The goal of the study is to clarify the role of DA D₁ and D₂ receptors of the rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core in the motivational effects of morphine as studied by conditioned place preference (CPP).Methods The effect of the intracerebral infusion of DA antagonists specific for DA D₁ (SCH 39166) and D₂ receptors (l-sulpiride) was studied in a single-trial place conditioning paradigm with fixed assignment of the drug to the unpreferred compartment.Results Morphine induced significant CPP at all the doses tested (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg, subcutaneously). A dose of 1.0 mg/kg was selected for further studies. Intra-NAc shell infusion of SCH 39166 and l-sulpiride at doses of 25 and 50 ng/1 μl per side impaired the acquisition of CPP by morphine. No effect was observed at 12.5 ng/1 μl per side. Intra-NAc core infusion of SCH 39166 (12.5, 25, and 50 ng/1 μl per side) did not affect the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP, while l-sulpiride (12.5, 25, and 50 ng/1 μl per side) impaired CPP acquisition only at the dose of 50 ng/1 μl per side. No effect on morphine-induced CPP was observed when the DA antagonists were infused into the NAc shell or core 10 min before the test session.Conclusion These results indicate that DA D₁ and D₂ receptors in the NAc shell are involved in the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP.     

Morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats is inhibited by electroacupuncture at 2 Hz: Role of enkephalin in the nucleus accumbens

Our previous studies have demonstrated that morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) can be inhibited by 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA). This inhibition can be blocked by either the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (i.p.) or lesion in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), providing evidence that endogenous opioid system in the NAc mediates the effects of EA. Here we report that 1) A single session of 2 Hz EA produced a significant increase of the content of enkephalin in the NAc of morphine-induced CPP rats, and this effect was stronger in three consecutive sessions of EA; 2) Intracerebroventricular injection of the μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP or δ-opioid receptor antagonist NTI, but not κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI, dose-dependently reversed the inhibitory effects of 2 Hz EA on the expression of morphine-induced CPP; 3) Three consecutive sessions of 2 Hz EA up-regulated the mRNA level of preproenkephalin in the NAc of morphine-induced CPP rats. The results suggest that the inhibitory effects of 2 Hz EA on the expression of the morphine CPP is mediated by μ- and δ-, but not κ-opioid receptor, possibly via accelerating both the release and synthesis of enkephalin in the NAc. These findings support the possibility of using 2 Hz EA for the treatment of opiate addiction.     

Estrogen pretreatment modulates morphine-induced conditioned place preference in ovariectomized mice

Estrogen is known to modulate the neurotransmission in the brain. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of estrogen on the rewarding properties of morphine using conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in adult female mice. The possible rewarding effect of estrogen was also examined in ovariectomized mice. Following a 6-day conditioning procedure, sham operated animals showed a significant preference towards the side previously paired with a range of morphine doses (2, 5 and 10—but not 20—mg/kg, SC). However, ovariectomized mice showed decreased CPP compared to gonadally intact mice with a right shift in their morphine dose-response curve. These effects were reversed by chronic daily administration of estradiol benzoate (EB; 20 µg/kg, SC). Furthermore, in ovariectomized mice, EB per se was able to induce CPP. In conclusion, our findings indicate that estradiol has a facilitating effect on morphine reward while its deficiency increases the threshold dose of morphine to induce CPP.     

GABAB receptors within the ventral tegmental area are involved in the expression and acquisition of morphine-induced place preference in morphine-sensitized rats

The influence of intra-ventral tegmental area administration of gamma-amino-butyric-acid-B (GABA_B) receptor agonist and antagonist on the expression and acquisition of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in morphine-sensitized female rats was examined. Our pilot experiment showed that subcutaneous administration of morphine-(2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg) induced CPP. Administration of one dose daily morphine (5 mg/kg) for 3 days followed by 5 days rest, enhanced the conditioning induced by ineffective doses of morphine (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg). Injections of GABA_B receptor agonist, baclofen, (1.5 and 12 µg/rat) reduced the expression of morphine CPP whereas the dose of 6 µg/rat of the drug increased it. Baclofen also significantly reduced the acquisition of morphine CPP in morphine-sensitized animals. Administration of GABA_B receptor antagonist, CGP 35348, significantly reduced the expression (12 µg/rat) and acquisition (1.5, 6 and 12 µg/rat) of morphine CPP in morphine-sensitized animals.In conclusion, results confirmed the importance of GABA_B receptors within the ventral tegmental area of morphine CPP in morphine-sensitized female rats.     

东莨菪碱对吗啡依赖大鼠条件位置性偏爱激活的抑制作用

目的:观察东莨菪碱(Scopolamine,Sco)对吗啡(Morphine,Mor)依赖大鼠条件位置性偏爱激活的抑制作用。方法:以剂量递增连续皮下(SC)给吗啡6天建立吗啡诱导大鼠条件位置性偏爱(CPP)模型,第7天用生理盐水替代吗啡训练大鼠10天,使形成的CPP逐渐消退,单次SC4mg/kg吗啡激发消退的CPP。部分大鼠在注射吗啡前30分钟分别腹腔注射(ip)Sco(1mg/kg、2mg/kg、3mg/kg)。观察东莨菪碱对吗啡依赖大鼠在伴药箱停留时间的变化。结果:与Mor依赖组相比在SC4mg/kgMor引燃刺激前30min应用Sco1mg/kg、2mg/kg、3mg/kg均可以使大鼠在伴药箱停留时间缩短(P<0.05)。结论:Sco一定程度上抑制Mor引燃的Mor依赖大鼠的条件位置性偏爱激活。     

Nicotine-induced conditioned place preference in adolescent rats

A number of clinical reports have noted that women are more vulnerable to tobacco abuse than men, and adolescent females are especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Conditioned place preference (CPP) is a widely used technique for determining the rewarding effects of drugs with abuse potential in animal models. Several studies have reported that nicotine was ineffective in eliciting CPP in rats; while others have observed conditioned place aversion (CPA) rather than preference for nicotine. One recent investigation established CPP in adolescent female rats, however at a reasonably high dose; while a second reported dose dependence of nicotine-induced CPP in male but not female rats. The present study was designed to determine the lowest dose necessary to induce CPP to nicotine in adolescent female rats. Nicotine-induced CPP was obtained at a subcutaneous dose of 0.03 mg/kg (salt content) using a biased conditioning paradigm. Higher doses produced aversion and lower doses provided no rewarding or aversive effects. CPP persisted for at least 3 weeks following conditioning in the absence of further nicotine treatment. In contrast with results from adolescent human females and males, age-matched male rats also evidenced CPP at this very low dose of nicotine. These results indicate that even a low dose of nicotine is reinforcing and addicting in both adolescent male and female rats and brings into question the suggestion that nicotine induces greater addicting capacity in adolescent girls than boys.     

东茛菪碱对吗啡依赖大鼠条件位置性偏爱激活的抑制作用

目的：观察东莨菪碱（Scopolamine，Sco）对吗啡（Morphine，Mor）依赖大鼠条件位置性偏爱激活的抑制作用。方法：以剂量递增连续皮下（SC）给吗啡6天建立吗啡诱导大鼠条件位置性偏爱（CPP）模型，第7天用生理盐水替代吗啡训练大鼠10天，使形成的CPP逐渐消退，单次SC4mg／kg吗啡激发消退的CPP。部分大鼠在注射吗啡前30分钟分别腹腔注射（ip）Sco（1mg／kg、2mg／kg、3mg／kg）。观察东莨菪碱对吗啡依赖大鼠在伴药箱停留时间的变化。结果：与Mor依赖组相比在SC4mg／kgMor引燃刺激前30min应用Sco 1mg／kg、2mg／kg、3mg／kg均可以使大鼠在伴药箱停留时间缩短（P〈0．05）。结论：Sco一定程度上抑制Mor引燃的Mor依赖大鼠的条件位置性偏爱激活。     

Aripiprazole blocks reinstatement but not expression of morphine conditioned place preference in rats

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic drug primarily characterized by partial agonist activity at dopamine (DA) D₂ receptors and serotonin-1A (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT_1A) receptors and minimal side effects. Based on its pharmacological profile, including stabilization of mesocorticolimbic DA activity (a pathway implicated in drug addiction), we investigated the effects of aripiprazole on relapse to morphine seeking in rats. In experiment 1, rats underwent morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) training with alternate injections of morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) and saline (1 ml/kg, s.c.) for 8 consecutive days. To examine the effect of aripiprazole on the expression of morphine-induced CPP, rats received aripiprazole (0, 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before testing for the expression of CPP. In experiment 2, rats underwent the same CPP training as in experiment 1 and subsequent extinction training. To examine the effect of aripiprazole on reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP, rats received aripiprazole 30 min before testing for reinstatement of CPP. In experiment 3, to assess the effects of aripiprazole on locomotor activity, aripiprazole was administered 30 min before testing for locomotor activity. Aripiprazole significantly decreased the reinstatement of CPP induced by a priming injection of morphine but had no effect on the expression of morphine-induced CPP or locomotor activity. The D₂ and 5-HT_1A partial agonist and 5-HT_2A antagonist properties of aripiprazole likely account for the blockade of relapse to drug seeking. These findings suggest that aripiprazole may have therapeutic value for reducing craving and preventing relapse to drug seeking.     

Blockade of morphine-induced place preference by diazepam in mice

The effects of diazepam on morphine-induced place preference were examined in mice. Pretreatment with diazepam (2 mg/kg i.p.) 30 min prior to morphine injection significantly abolished the morphine (5 mg/kg s.c.)-induced place preference, and this effect of diazepam was antagonized by pretreatment with flumazenil. In addition, pretreatment with diazepam prevented the morphine (5 mg/kg s.c.)-induced increase in dopamine turnover in the limbic forebrain. These results suggest that pretreatment with diazepam may suppress the rewarding effects of morphine.     

Stress-induced reinstatement of amphetamine-conditioned place preference and changes in tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens in adolescent rats

Drug abuse among humans often begins during adolescence. Exposure to psychostimulants during this age period may have long-term consequences which can render the organism more susceptible to drug abuse and relapse later in life. It has been demonstrated that exposure to stress can promote relapse to drug use even after long periods of withdrawal. The reinstatement of conditioned place preference (CPP) is a useful animal model for studying relapse. In humans and animals, changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) have been related to drug addiction. Our study examined whether amphetamine-induced CPP during adolescence could be reinstated by exposure to stress 1 (adolescence) and 30 (adulthood) days after the extinction test. We also investigated TH levels following the reinstatement of CPP. Our results showed that amphetamine-induced CPP during adolescence can be reinstated by stress exposure 1 day (P42, end of adolescence) but not 30 days after extinction (P71, adulthood). Moreover the reinstatement of AMPH-induced CPP by stress exposure occurred in the presence of decreased TH in the nucleus accumbens. In conclusion, our data add new evidence that neuroadaptations on TH may mediate relapse to drug-seeking behavior induced by stress within adolescence.     

Blockade of cue- and drug-induced reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference with intermittent sucrose intake

Sucrose intake has been suggested to alter the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). To date, the potential effects of sucrose intake on the extinction and drug-induced reinstatement of CPP have not been determined. In the present study, sucrose solution (15%) was given prior to, during, and following the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP. Place preference was subsequently assessed during expression, extinction, and morphine-induced reinstatement. The results showed that the sucrose solution given prior to place conditioning training transiently suppressed the expression of morphine CPP. Sucrose solution given during place conditioning training had no effects on the expression, extinction, and reinstatement of CPP. When the sucrose solution was given following the acquisition of morphine CPP, the extinction of morphine CPP was accelerated, and morphine-induced reinstatement was profoundly inhibited. The above results demonstrated that sucrose intake could differentially affect the expression, extinction, and reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP, depending on the interference schedules. Our findings suggest that offering non-drug rewards could be a valuable approach to maintain abstinence and preventing relapse in drug addicts.     

Inhibitory effects of paeonol on morphine-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference in mice

The inhibitory effects of paeonol, a major compound of Paeoniae radix, on the development of locomotor sensitization, conditioned place preference (CPP) and dopamine receptor supersensitivity induced by the repeated administration of morphine were investigated through behavioral experiments. A single administration of morphine produces hyperlocomotion. Repeated administration of morphine develops sensitization (reverse tolerance), a progressive enhancement of locomotion, which is used as a model for studying the drug-induced drug-seeking behaviors, and CPP, which is used as a model for studying drug reinforcement. Paeonol inhibited morphine-induced hyperlocomotion, sensitization and CPP. In addition, paeonol inhibited the development of postsynaptic dopamine receptors supersensitivity, which may be an underlying common mechanism that mediates the morphine-induced dopaminergic behaviors such as sensitization and CPP. Apomorphine (a dopamine agonist)-induced climbing behaviors also were inhibited by a single direct administration of paeonol. These results provide evidence that paeonol exerts anti-dopaminergic activity, and it is suggested that paeonol may be useful for the prevention and therapy of these adverse actions of morphine.     

Effects of diazepam on conditioned place preference induced by morphine or amphetamine in the rat

RATIONALE: The drug-abuse literature suggests that benzodiazepines may be preferentially abused in conjunction with opioids rather than stimulants. OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible effects of diazepam on the reinforcing effects of morphine and amphetamine. METHODS: The effects of diazepam (0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg) on the formation and expression of conditioned place preferences (CPP) induced by morphine sulphate (0.3, 0.8, 2 and 8 mg/kg) or D-amphetamine (0.4, 0.8, 2 or 2.5 mg/kg) were studied in an unbiased CPP paradigm. The action of diazepam (1 mg/kg) on conditioned and unconditioned locomotion induced by morphine (2 mg/kg) or amphetamine (2 mg/kg) was assessed. RESULTS: Rats that received conditioning injections of morphine in one environment displayed a preference for this environment. Pre-testing injections of diazepam did not alter the magnitude of this CPP. When diazepam was given with morphine during training, rats displayed a CPP for the environment paired with the two drugs. Injections of amphetamine in one environment also induced a preference for this environment. However, pre-testing injections of diazepam blocked the expression of amphetamine-induced CPP, and co-injections of diazepam blocked the formation of amphetamine CPP. Diazepam itself did not produce a CPP nor did it alter spontaneous place preferences. Diazepam equally blocked both morphine and amphetamine unconditioned and conditioned locomotor hyperactivity. This indicates that its effects on morphine and amphetamine CPP were not due to a differential effect on locomotion. CONCLUSIONS: Diazepam interferes with the reinforcing properties of amphetamines but not of morphine. The reinforcing effects of morphine and amphetamine are pharmacologically dissociable.     

Conditioned locomotor activity but not conditioned place preference following intra-accumbens infusions of cocaine

In the first experiment, the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm was used to examine the rewarding properties of bilateral microinfusions of cocaine HCl into the nucleus accumbens (0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 µg). No dose of intra-accumbens cocaine induced a significant CPP. However, bilateral intra-accumbens infusions ofd-amphetamine sulfate (10 µg) or intraperitoneal administration of cocaine HCl (5 or 10 mg/kg) both produced a significant preference for the drug-paired compartment. In the second experiment, the ability of bilateral intra-accumbens infusions of cocaine HCl (50 µg) to elicit conditioned locomotor activity (CLA) was examined. During the conditioning trials, intra-accumbens cocaine significantly increased locomotor activity. On the test day, when no drug was administered, the group that had previously received cocaine in the activity chamber showed significantly greater locomotor activity than the vehicle control group. This demonstration of CLA indicates that rats are able to associate the effects of intra-accumbens infusions of cocaine with environmental stimuli; however, these infusions are not rewarding as measured by the CPP paradigm. In addition, these results may indicate important differences between the neural substrates for cocaine and amphetamine reward and reveal a dissociation between CPP and CLA.     

Nicotine increases microdialysate brain amino acid concentrations and induces conditioned place preference

The action of nicotine on the nicotinic receptor-mediated release of inhibitory and excitatory acids in the nucleus accumbens, NAC, of freely moving rats was studied in order to clarify their effects' on reinforcing behavior as estimated by conditioned place preference (CPP). Using the technique of microdialysis, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of nicotine (0.15-0.3-0.6 mg/kg), significantly increased aspartate, glutamate, arginine, taurine, and alanine microdialysate content in the nucleus accumbens. The same doses of nicotine were able to elicit a reinforcing effect in a CPP paradigm which was probably associated with the increased brain levels of excitatory acids triggering additional dopamine release in the mesolimbic system.     

Effects of ritanserin on the rewarding properties of d-amphetamine, morphine and diazepam revealed by conditioned place preference in rats

The possibility that 5-HT₂ receptors mediate the reinforcing properties of d-amphetamine, morphine and diazepam was investigated in rats, using ritanserin, a 5-HT₂ antagonist, and the conditioned place preference paradigm. Ritanserin 1 or 2.5 mg/kg did not cause place conditioning. Place preference induced by 1.5 mg/kg d-amphetamine and 2 mg/kg morphine was inhibited and attenuated respectively by pretreatment with 2.5 mg/kg ritanserin. Diazepam- (1 mg/kg) induced place preference was completely blocked by both doses of ritanserin. Ritanserin pretreatment failed to influence amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, morphine-induced analgesia and diazepam-induced increased open arm exploration of rats on the elevated plus maze. These data are discussed in terms of (a) the possibility that serotoninergic mechanisms have a role in mediating reinforcement and (b) the relationship between appetitive properties and specific behavioral effects of psycho-stimulants, opiates and anxiolytics.     

Clonidine produces a conditioned place preference in rats

The possibility that the -adrenergic agonist clonidine can act as a reinforcing agent was investigated using the conditioned place preference paradigm. Using two different variants of this method we were able to demonstrate reinforcing properties of clonidine at doses of 200 and 400 g/kg. These results are consistent with those obtained by other investigators using the self-administration technique, and support the view that adrenergic mechanisms may be involved in reinforcement.     

孕酮对大鼠吗啡位置偏爱效应及中枢单胺递质水平的影响

目的观察孕酮对于吗啡所致奖赏效应及脑内单胺类神经递质水平的影响。方法采用大鼠条件性位置偏爱(CPP)模型,高效液相色谱-电化学法测定大鼠伏隔核及腹侧被盖区内去甲肾上腺素(NE)、多巴胺(DA)和5羟色胺(5HT)的含量。结果吗啡(5mg·kg-1)可诱导大鼠产生稳定的CPP效应;孕酮(5、20mg·kg-1)本身不产生CPP效应,但能抑制吗啡的CPP效应。与对照组比较,吗啡CPP形成时,伏隔核内NE和DA的水平明显升高(P<0.01)。与吗啡组比较,合用5mg·kg-1或20mg·kg-1孕酮均可使伏隔核内DA水平下降(P<0.01,P<0.05);合用20mg·kg-1孕酮还可使伏隔核内的NE水平下降(P<0.01)。结论孕酮可有效抑制吗啡的CPP效应,其机制可能与降低伏隔核内DA及NE的水平有关。