Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) and the most widespread and life-threatening synthetic cathinone of the “bath salts”. Preclinical research has proven the cocaine-like psychostimulant effects of MDPV and its potential for abuse. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid that has emerged as a new potential treatment for drug addiction. Here, we tested the effects of CBD (20 mg/kg) on MDPV (2 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference and MDPV (0.05 and 0.075 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration paradigms. In addition, we assessed the effects of the co-administration of CBD and MDPV (3 and 4 mg/kg) on anxiety-like behaviour using the elevated plus maze (EPM). CBD mitigated the MDPV-induced conditioned place preference. On the contrary, CBD administration throughout the MDPV (0.075 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration increased drug-seeking and taking behaviours, but only in the high-responders group of mice. Furthermore, CBD exerted anxiolytic-like effects, exclusively in MDPV-treated mice. Taken together, our results indicate that CBD modulation of MDPV-induced motivational responses in mice varies depending on the requirements of the learning task, resulting in a complex response. Therefore, further research attempting to decipher the behavioural and molecular interactions between CBD and MDPV is needed.
Highlights
Hundreds of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been synthesised in the last years [1]
We evaluated the impact of CBD (20 mg/kg) on MDPV moti
The current results provide evidence of the mild mitigati the high-responders group of mice with an MDPV dose of 0.075 mg/kg/infusion
Summary
Hundreds of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been synthesised in the last years [1]. In Europe, synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids account for 77% of all seizures of NPS [2]. The elevated use of synthetic cathinones as “legal highs” has raised concern due to the risk of abuse and dependence. 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is one of the most widespread and life-threatening components of the so-called “bath salts” [3,4]. Together with euphoria and enhanced energy, the use of MDPV is related to hyperthermia, dehydration, sweating, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns and consciousness alterations [5]. High doses of MDPV can cause severe symptoms, including hallucinations, psychosis, seizures or even death [6]
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