Cocaine conditioned place preference is attenuated by chronic buprenorphine treatment

Life Sci. 1991;49(24):PL201-6. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(91)90490-3.

Abstract

Previous research shows that buprenorphine (BUP), a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist, reduces cocaine use in humans and suppresses cocaine self-administration in monkeys. The present study found that BUP reduces cocaine's ability to condition a place preference in rats. Compared to vehicle treated rats, rats treated with BUP 2 times/day for 2 weeks spent significantly less time in the cocaine conditioned place compared to their respective saline trained controls. No conditioned place preference was shown for BUP alone. These results further implicate a role for the opioid system in cocaine use and stress the importance of differentiating chronic vs. acute opioid effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Buprenorphine / pharmacology*
  • Cocaine / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Conditioning, Psychological / drug effects*
  • Environment, Controlled
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Reinforcement, Psychology

Substances

  • Buprenorphine
  • Cocaine