title: The role of L-type calcium channels in the development and expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol.
abstract: Behavioral sensitization is thought to play a significant role in drug addiction. L-type calcium channels have been implicated in sensitization to stimulant and opiate drugs but it is unclear if these channels also contribute to sensitization to ethanol. The effects of three L-type calcium channel blockers, nifedipine (1-7.5 mg/kg), diltiazem (12.5-50 mg/kg), and verapamil (12.5 and 25 mg/kg), on sensitization to ethanol (2 g/kg) were examined in DBA/2J mice. All three blockers reduced but did not prevent expression of sensitization. Only nifedipine blocked acquisition of sensitization. Nifedipine and verapamil decreased blood ethanol levels. The current findings suggest L-type calcium channels do not play a substantial role in sensitization to ethanol and that the neural mechanisms underlying sensitization to ethanol are distinct from those mediating sensitization to stimulants and opiates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Michigan-Flint, 415 East Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48502, United States. Electronic address: broadben@umflint.edu.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Broadbent
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000523:psychology*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000378:metabolism*; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000494:pharmacology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D000431:Ethanol; D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem; D009543:Nifedipine
keywords: Alcohol; Behavioral sensitization; Ethanol; L-type calcium channel blockers; Locomotor activity; Mice