Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0501
+44-20-4587-4809
ISSN: 2167-0501
+44-20-4587-4809
Zheng-Xiong Xi
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse,
Baltimore
Tanzania
Review Article
The Anticonvulsant Tiagabine Inhibits Cocaine’s Rewarding Effects, but has No Effect on Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior in Rats
Author(s): Hong-Ju Yang, Guo-Hua Bi, Haiying Zhang, Xiao-Qing Peng, Eliot L. Gardner and Zheng-Xiong XiHong-Ju Yang, Guo-Hua Bi, Haiying Zhang, Xiao-Qing Peng, Eliot L. Gardner and Zheng-Xiong Xi
GABA is an important neurotransmitter involved in drug abuse and addiction. Accordingly, drugs that elevate brain GABA levels are thought to be promising for the treatment of addiction. In the present study, we report that tiagabine, a selective type 1 GABA transporter inhibitor that has been approved by the U.S. FDA as an anticonvulsant drug, may have therapeutic potential in reducing cocaine use. In vivo brain microdialysis studies demonstrated that systemic administration of tiagabine (3, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly elevated extracellular GABA levels in the nucleus accumbens in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with tiagabine (3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited cocaine enhanced electrical brain-stimulation reward. Tiagabine alone, at 20 mg/kg, almost completely inhibited intracranial electrical brain-stimulation behavior. In addition, systemic administration of ti.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2167-0501.S1-005