Evaluating the Abuse Potential of Lenabasum, a Selective Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Agonist.

Endocannabinoids, which are present throughout the central nervous system (CNS), can activate cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). CB1 and CB2 agonists exhibit broad anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting their potential to treat inflammatory diseases. However, careful evaluation of abuse potential is necessary.

The influence of drug class on reward in substance use disorders.

In the United States, the societal costs associated with drug use surpass $500 billion annually. The rewarding and reinforcing properties that drive the use of these addictive substances are typically examined concerning the neurobiological effects responsible for their abuse potential. In this review, terms such as "abuse potential," "drug," and "addictive properties" are used due to their relevance to the methodological, theoretical, and conceptual framework for understanding the phenomenon of drug-taking behavior and the associated body of preclinical and clinical literature.

Onset, growth, and recovery of in-air temporary threshold shift in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

A California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) was tested in a behavioral procedure to assess noise-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) in air. Octave band fatiguing noise was varied in both duration (1.5-50 min) and level (94-133 dB re 20 muPa) to generate a variety of equal sound exposure level conditions.

Novel sound production through contingency learning in the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens).

Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) are highly vocal amphibious mammals with a range of anatomical specializations that can provide plasticity to their sound emissions. The objective of this descriptive study was to determine whether contingency learning could be used to increase variability and induce novelty in the acoustic behavior of walruses. The subjects were two twelve-year-old captive walruses, a male and a female that had previously been conditioned using food reinforcement to produce several specific sounds in response to different discriminative cues.

Spatial release from masking of aerial tones in pinnipeds.

In most masking experiments, target signals and sound intended to mask are located in the same position. Spatial release from masking (SRM) occurs when signals and maskers are spatially separated, resulting in detection improvement relative to when they are spatially co-located. In this study, SRM was investigated in a harbor seal, who naturally lacks pinnae, and California sea lion, who possesses reduced pinnae.