The objective of the proposed research is to examine the role of 5-HT systems in cocaine-seeking behavior using the extinction/reinstatement model. Animals will be trained to self-administer cocaine or will receive yoked administration of saline for 14 days. Later, drug-seeking behavior will be assessed during three phases: 1) extinction of drug-seeking behavior, 2) reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior by presentation of cues previously paired with cocaine infusions, and 3) reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior by cocaine (15mg/kg.IP.) The first experiment will examine the effects of 5-HT depletion on extinction and cue-elicited reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior during a 21-day treatment period. Changes in the density of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3 receptors in various limbic areas will also be examined using quantitative autoradiography. It is predicted that 5-HT depletion will increase resistance to extinction and enhance cocaine-seeking behavior. In contrast it is predicted that chronic fluoxetine treatment will decrease resistance extinction and attenuate cocaine-seeking behavior. Findings from these experiments can be applied to develop effective pharmacologic treatment for cocaine craving and relapse.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32DA005816-02
Application #
2770068
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Project Start
1998-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
1998-09-01
Budget End
1999-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
188435911
City
Tempe
State
AZ
Country
United States
Zip Code
85287