Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6282714 | Neuroscience Letters | 2013 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
Behavioral sensitization is thought to play a significant role in drug addiction. L-type calcium channels have been implicated in sensitization to stimulant and opiate drugs but it is unclear if these channels also contribute to sensitization to ethanol. The effects of three L-type calcium channel blockers, nifedipine (1-7.5Â mg/kg), diltiazem (12.5-50Â mg/kg), and verapamil (12.5 and 25Â mg/kg), on sensitization to ethanol (2Â g/kg) were examined in DBA/2J mice. All three blockers reduced but did not prevent expression of sensitization. Only nifedipine blocked acquisition of sensitization. Nifedipine and verapamil decreased blood ethanol levels. The current findings suggest L-type calcium channels do not play a substantial role in sensitization to ethanol and that the neural mechanisms underlying sensitization to ethanol are distinct from those mediating sensitization to stimulants and opiates.
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Authors
Julie Broadbent,