MDMA reinstates cocaine-seeking behaviour in mice

Abstract

Background: MDMA effects are mediated by monoaminergic systems, which seem to play a central role in cocaine craving and relapse.

Methods: CD1 mice trained to self-administer cocaine (1 mg/kg/infusion) underwent an extinction procedure in which the cues contingent with drug self-administration remained present. Mice achieving extinction were injected with MDMA (10 mg/kg), d-amphetamine (1 and 2 mg/kg) or saline and tested for reinstatement.

Results: Acute MDMA, but not d-amphetamine or saline reinstated cocaine-seeking behaviour in mice in which cocaine self-administration and contingent cues were previously extinguished.

Conclusions: Acute MDMA can reinstate cocaine-seeking behaviour in mice.