Abstract
Background. The Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344) rat strains have been typically used to study certain genetic influences on drug use. There are important differences between these strains in terms of the self-administration of several drugs and in several neurochemical messengers including the endocannabinoid system. Purpose. To investigate whether these two strains exhibit differences in the self-administration of the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,512-2. Results. Stable WIN 55,512-2 self-administration behavior was not achieved by either strain, but both exhibited some degree of active/inactive lever discrimination, with LEW rats showing better performance in this index. Injection of the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 decreased active lever pressing in F344 rats. During extinction, we observed a nonsignificant increase in lever pressing, which subsequently disappeared. Conclusion. Our results point to subtle genetic influences in the sensitivity to cannabinoid reward that may contribute to interindividual differences in marihuana use and abuse in humans.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.