A single injection of a novel kappa opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A attenuates the expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats

Aashish S. Morani, Susan Schenk, Thomas E. Prisinzano, Bronwyn Maree Kivell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Kappa opioid receptor (KOPr) activation antagonizes many cocaine-related behaviors but adverse side-effects such as sedation, dysphoria, and depression limit their therapeutic use. Recently, salvinorin A (Sal A), a naturally occurring KOPr agonist, has been shown to attenuate cocaine-induced drug seeking in a model of relapse in rats. The present study evaluated the effects of acute Sal A exposure on cocaine-induced hyperactivity and cocaine sensitization in rats. Acute treatment with a dose of Sal A that decreased drug seeking in a previous study (0.3 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the expression of cocaine sensitization. This dose of Sal A failed to affect spontaneous locomotion or to produce a conditioned taste aversion to a novel-tasting saccharin solution. However, Sal A decreased climbing and swimming time and increased time spent immobile in the forced swim test. These findings indicate that Sal A, just like traditional KOPr agonists, attenuates cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization but does not produce the adverse effect of conditioned aversion, suggesting improved potential compliance. However, prodepressive effects were also produced and these effects may limit the therapeutic potential.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)162-170
Number of pages9
JournalBehavioural Pharmacology
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • behavioral sensitization
  • conditioned taste aversion
  • depression
  • forced swim test
  • kappa opioid agonist
  • rat
  • salvinorin A

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A single injection of a novel kappa opioid receptor agonist salvinorin A attenuates the expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this