The dopamine D(3) receptor-preferring partial agonist BP 897 dose-dependently attenuates the expression of amphetamine-conditioned place preference in rats.
Previously we reported that systemic administration of the dopamine D3 receptor-preferring partial agonist BP 897 blocked the expression, but not the acquisition, of amphetamine-conditioned activity. This suggested the hypothesis that BP 897 would block the expression, but not the acquisition, of amphetamine-conditioned place preference (CPP). Thus, during preconditioning rats had access to two chambers connected by a tunnel for three 15-min sessions. During eight conditioning days with the tunnel blocked, one chamber was paired with drug administration for four 30-min sessions, alternating with pairing of the other chamber with saline administration. In a drug-free test session, time on the drug-paired side was compared to time spent there in preconditioning; a significant increase was defined as a place preference. Systemic amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) or amphetamine+BP 897 (1.0, 2.0 mg/kg) during conditioning produced a significant place preference, while administration of BP 897 (1.0 or 2.0 but not 0.5 mg/kg) during the test blocked the amphetamine-CPP. There was no evidence that BP 897 produced a conditioned aversion. Results supported the hypothesis that BP 897 would block expression, but not acquisition, of amphetamine-CPP.
Aujla
H
H
Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
Beninger
R J
RJ
D000662:Amphetamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D065127:Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D050637:Receptors, Dopamine D3
D000662:Amphetamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D065127:Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists; C493595:Drd3 protein, rat; D010879:Piperazines; D050637:Receptors, Dopamine D3; C120565:BP 897