Dopamine D1- and D2-like receptor mechanisms in relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior: effects of selective antagonists and agonists.

Dopaminergic mechanisms are thought to be critical in mediating relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior. This study examined the different roles of D1- and D2-like receptor mechanisms in the relapse process. Squirrel monkeys were given extended histories of i.

Impact of self-administered cocaine and cocaine cues on extracellular dopamine in mesolimbic and sensorimotor striatum in rhesus monkeys.

Studies were conducted to determine the impact of self-administered cocaine on extracellular striatal dopamine in four rhesus monkeys. The extent to which external cue conditioning contributed to the effects of cocaine and whether there is activation of striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission during drug-seeking behavior was also examined. Microdialysis measurements were made at 2 min intervals in sensorimotor (dorsolateral) and mesolimbic (central and ventromedial) striatum.

Pharmacological and environmental determinants of relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior.

Animal models have been developed that simulate relevant features of relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior in humans. These models have provided valuable information about pharmacological and environmental factors that precipitate reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-seeking in rats and monkeys, as well as new insights about potential pharmacotherapies for relapse prevention. Reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in animals can be induced by cocaine priming or by cocaine-paired environmental stimuli: however, maximum reinstatement of drug-seeking appears to be induced when cocaine priming and cocaine-paired stimuli are combined.