Voluntary inhalation of methamphetamine: a novel strategy for studying intake non-invasively.

Rationale: The abuse of the psychostimulant methamphetamine (MA) is associated with substantial costs and limited treatment options. To understand the mechanisms that lead to abuse, animal models of voluntary drug intake are crucial.

Objectives: We aimed to develop a protocol to study long-term non-invasive voluntary intake of MA in mice.

Time of day influences the voluntary intake and behavioral response to methamphetamine and food reward.

The circadian timing system influences a vast array of behavioral responses. Substantial evidence indicates a role for the circadian system in regulating reward processing. Here we explore time of day effects on drug anticipation, locomotor activity, and voluntary methamphetamine (MA) and food intake in animals with ad libitum food access.

Antibodies for assessing circadian clock proteins in the rodent suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Research on the mechanisms underlying circadian rhythmicity and the response of brain and body clocks to environmental and physiological challenges requires assessing levels of circadian clock proteins. Too often, however, it is difficult to acquire antibodies that specifically and reliably label these proteins. Many of these antibodies also lack appropriate validation.