CGS 10746B, a Novel Dopamine Release Inhibitor, Blocks the Establishment of Cocaine and MDMA Conditioned Place Preferences

Abstract

Cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), two drugs self-administered by humans and laboratory animals, have previously been shown to produce conditioned place preferences (CPPs) among rats, an index of drug-reward relevant events. Both of these agents increase functional levels of dopamine that may be critical to their rewarding properties. Here, the effects of doses of CGS 10746B, an agent reported to attenuate the release of dopamine without occupying dopamine receptors, are assessed on cocaine and MDMA’s ability to produce a CPP. CGS 10746B dose dependently blocked the establishment of a MDMA CPP. A 30 mg/kg dose of CGS 10746B, which completely blocked the MDMA CPP, also blocked the establishment of a cocaine CPP. Release of dopamine appears critical to the ability of these agents to establish a CPP.