title: Effects of the calcium antagonist isradipine on cocaine intravenous self-administration in rats.
abstract: The effect of isradipine, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, on cocaine intravenous self-administration in rats was investigated. Administration of (+/-)isradipine (1.25-5 mg/kg SC) 2 h before the cocaine self-administration session induced a significant and dose-dependent increase in the number of cocaine injections with respect to basal values. This effect was stereospecific, with the (+) form of isradipine being active, while the (-) stereoisomer was ineffective. These results suggest that isradipine antagonizes the rewarding properties of cocaine, possibly by inhibiting those dopaminergic systems related to reward mechanisms. These results further indicate a possible use of isradipine, or structurally similar compounds, in the treatment of cocaine related disorders.
authors.affiliation: B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Martellotta
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuzmin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Muglia
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gessa
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Fratta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003042:Cocaine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D017275:Isradipine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012646:Self Administration; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D003042:Cocaine; D017275:Isradipine