Abstract
It has been proposed that some neuroadaptations that underlie behavioral sensitization may play a role in the development and persistence of addiction. However, whether or not sensitization facilitates the development of symptoms specific to addiction, such as the escalation of drug intake, is not known. We examined, therefore, the effect of pretreatment with a sensitizing regimen of amphetamine on the escalation of subsequent drug intake in rats given the opportunity to self-administer cocaine. Amphetamine pretreatment produced psychomotor sensitization and also accelerated the subsequent escalation of cocaine intake. This suggests that the neural circuits that are altered as a consequence of repeated amphetamine treatment, and the induction of sensitization, may overlap with those responsible for the development of some addiction-like behaviors.
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.
