The NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 elicits conditioned place preference in rats.
(+)-5-Methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate, (MK-801) a potent noncompetitive antagonist of central NMDA receptors, has been hypothesized to have rewarding properties indicative of abuse potential. To test this hypothesis, the effects of MK-801 on the acquisition of a conditioned place preference and on locomotor activity were assessed and compared with d-amphetamine. Both MK-801 (0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg, SC) and d-amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg, SC) administration resulted in the acquisition of a conditioned place preference. However, while both amphetamine and the higher dose of MK-801 produced a behavioral activation during the training period the lower dose of MK-801 did not. These results suggest that MK-801, at doses that produce behavioral activation and below, is rewarding and therefore may have abuse potential.
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Division of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
Kaddis
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Wallace
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LJ
D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects*; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine