Opioid Abuse after Traumatic Brain Injury: Evaluation Using Rodent Models
Abstract
The goal of this project is to evaluate the effect of a moderate-level brain injury on risk for opioid abuse using preclinical models of abuse-related behaviors in rats. Thus far we have assessed the effect of brain injury on the rewarding effects of oxycodone in two rat self-administration procedures. We have found that there are significant differences in the acquisition and maintenance of oxycodone intravenous self-administration behavior between brain-injured and control rats. Data collected to date suggest brain injured rats have a greater sensitivity to the rewarding effects of oxycodone and a greater tolerance for the use-limiting effects of oxycodone (eg. sedation, motor impairment, dysphoria). Conversely, it appears that there is no difference between brain-injured and sham controls in a model of relapse to oxycodone self-administration. Preliminary testing of oxycodone for analgesic strength and development of tolerance also has shown no difference between sham controls and brain injured subjects. Additional self-administration studies to determine the rewarding strength of oxycodone as well as development of physical dependence are ongoing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA586101
Entities
People
- Katherine L. Nicholson
Organizations
- Virginia Commonwealth University