Localization of Sites of Action of High-Abuse-Liability Drugs in the Central Nervous System.
Abstract
We have investigated the hypothesis that high-abuse pharmacological agents with ostensibly different biochemical and behavioral effects have a common influence on the central reward system as measured by intracranial self-stimulation. We have investigated the effects of the optical isomers of amphetamine on different central reward sites and have found that differential behavioral effects can be obtained within the reward system. Biphasic effects on self-stimulation are obtained upon repeated morphine administration. These effects are site and dose-dependent. Synergistic effects are obtained with cholinergic agents. Effects similar to those of morphine were found with pentobarbital. These diverse agents facilitated self-stimulation, though the time course, amount of facilitation, and site of effect differed across pharmacological agents. We investigated specificity of response rate and refractoriness within the central reward system using the monophasic cathodal/anodal technique to differentiate between heretofore homogeneous self-stimulation areas from which differential drug effects are obtained by superimposing the isomers of amphetamine on this technique. We are able to determine directionality of fiber pathways in the central reward system(s).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA070359
Entities
People
- Solomon S. Steiner