Lack of tolerance or sensitization to the effects of chronic d-amphetamine on substantia nigra self-stimulation

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The effects of repeated administration of d-amphetamine on intracranial self-stimulation were investigated through substantia nigra electrodes in rats. Doses of d-amphetamine (0.1, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg), which facilitated bar-pressing for self-stimulation on the first day of treatment, were administered 30 min before daily testing for 10–12 days. Self-stimulation rates on the last day of treatment did not differ significantly from that on the first day at any dose tested. These results are in contrast to previous reports of progressive facilitation of locomotor activity and stereotypy by repeated d-amphetamine administration. To the extent that self-stimulation in substantia nigra reflects the functional state of dopaminergic neurotransmission, progressive augmentation of activity and stereotypy by repeated d-amphetamine administration may not involve dopaminergic processes.

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    This research was supported by USPHS Grant No. DA-00046-04. J. M. L. was sponsored by a NIH (ADAHMA) Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, and D. S. S. is the recipient of NIMH Research Scientist Award No. MH-70183-02. The authors thank Peter Binstock, David Benkle, and Mitchell Thompson for their technical assistance.

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