Environmental novelty modulates the induction and expression of single injection-induced behavioral sensitization to morphine

Publication date: Available online 19 July 2018Source: Pharmacology Biochemistry and BehaviorAuthor(s): Thaís F. Trombin, Roberta Procópio de Souza, Sonia Regina Kameda, Lineane Helena Fernandes Zanlorenci, Daniela Fukue Fukushiro, Mariana Bendlin Calzavara, Raphael Wuo-Silva, Elisa Mári-Kawamoto, Jacqueline Menezes Costa, Patrícia Helena Zanier-Gomes, Luciana Takahashi Carvalho Ribeiro, Roberto Frussa-FilhoAbstractOpioid addiction is a growing public health problem, being currently considered an epidemic in the United States. Investigating the behavioral effects of opioids and the factors influencing their development becomes of major importance. In animals, the effects of drugs of abuse can be assessed using the behavioral sensitization model, which shares similar neuronal substrates with drug craving in humans. Importantly, novelty plays a critical role on the development of behavioral sensitization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a new environment on both the induction and expression phases of morphine (Mor)-induced behavioral sensitization in the two-injection protocol. Mice were initially treated with saline, 15 or 30 mg/kg Mor (induction phase), and subsequently challenged 7 days later with 15 mg/Kg Mor (expression phase). Locomotor frequency was evaluated during behavioral sessions, performed as follow: induction session on a novel environment and expression on a familiar open-filed apparatus; induction session on animal...
Source: Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research