Individual differences in the effect of novel environmental stimuli prior to amphetamine self-administration in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Aug;14(3):389-401. doi: 10.1037/1064-1297.14.3.389.

Abstract

These experiments determined whether individual differences in response to novelty subsequently predict the ability of novel stimuli, presented prior to the session, to decrease amphetamine self-administration. Using an inescapable locomotor test, the authors found that high-responder rats (Rattus norvegicus) showed a greater novelty-induced decrease in the acquisition of self-administration compared with low-responder rats. This effect was dose dependent and generalized to sucrose-reinforced responding. Using a free-choice place preference test, the authors found that high-novelty-seeking rats also showed a greater novelty-induced decrease in the acquisition of self-administration compared with low-novelty- seeking rats. Regardless of individual differences, novelty had little effect on amphetamine self-administration during the maintenance phase. These results suggest that exposure to novel environmental stimuli may reduce acquisition of drug-taking behavior, especially among high-novelty-seeking individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamines / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Self Administration*

Substances

  • Amphetamines