Abstract
Previous reports have shown that long-term blockade of corticosterone secretion, by either adrenalectomy or repeated treatment with an inhibitor of corticosterone synthesis, metyrapone, profoundly reduces sensitivity to drugs of abuse. In this report we investigated whether acute blockade of corticosterone secretion has similar effects. Animals received a single injection of metyrapone (50 mg/kg SC) and were tested for their locomotor response to cocaine (15 mg/kg IP) 3 hours later. Acute metyrapone treatment reduced the locomotor response to cocaine by about 50%, and this effect was reversed by corticosterone (20 mg/kg SC). The behavioral effects of these treatments paralleled changes in plasma corticosterone levels 20 minutes after an injection of cocaine. Despite the differences in behavior and corticosterone levels, the brain levels of cocaine in these groups did not differ. These results indicate that the behavioral effects of cocaine can be modified by an acute pharmacological manipulation of corticosterone secretion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
