Short communicationOpposing roles for dopamine D1- and D2-like receptors in discrete cue-induced reinstatement of food seeking

We used a rat reinstatement model to test the involvement of dopamine D1- and D2-like receptors in discrete cue-induced reinstatement of food seeking. At a dose that did not alter responding during food self-administration, the D1-like antagonist SCH-23390 blocked reinstatement of food seeking, while the D2-like antagonist eticlopride significantly increased reinstatement responding. Thus, these results establish opposing roles for D1- and D2-like receptors in discrete cue-induced relapse to food seeking.

► We studied the role of dopamine receptors in relapse to food seeking using a rat model. ► The D1 antagonist SCH-23390 blocked discrete cue-induced relapse to food seeking. ► The D2 antagonist eticlopride increased discrete cue-induced relapse to food seeking. ► The antagonists did not alter response rate during food self-administration. ► Results establish opposing roles for D1 and D2 receptors in cue-induced food seeking.