Date of Award
6-1999
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Lisa Baker
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan Poling
Third Advisor
Dr. Scott Kollins
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
(±)-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces effects in humans that are reportedly similar to those of CNS stimulants. However, drug discrimination studies in nonhumans have yielded inconsistent results regarding the similarities between MDMA and d-amphetamine. Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate d-amphetamine, MDMA, and saline in a three-lever drug discrimination procedure. In addition, differential outcomes were employed during drug discrimination training with eight of the rats but this did not appear to facilitate the acquisition of the discrimination. Cocaine (0.25-10.0 mg/kg) produced dose dependent increases in d-amphetamine-appropriate responding with complete substitution at the highest dose administered. LSD (0.02-0.16 mg/kg), produced dose dependent increases in MDMA-appropriate responding and nearly complete substitution (78%) at the 0.08 mg/kg dose. Fenfluramine (1.0-4.0 mg/kg), (+)MDA (0.375-1.5 mg/kg), and (-)MDA (0.375 mg/kg), all produced dose-dependent increases in MDMA-appropriate responding. The serotonin antagonist Pirenperone (0.16-0.64 mg/kg) partially blocked the stimulus cue of MDMA.
Recommended Citation
Goodwin, Amy K., "A Three-Choice Drug Discrimination Procedure Differentiates the Stimulus Effects of d-Amphetamine and MDMA" (1999). Masters Theses. 4698.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4698