The effect of denervation of the locus coeruleus projections with N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4) on cocaine-induced locomotion and place preference in rats.

The potential contribution of locus coeruleus (LC)-derived noradrenaline (NA) in the motor activating and rewarding effects of cocaine (15 mg/kg) were assessed following administration of the neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4). In Experiment 1, administration of 10 mg/kg of DSP-4 similarly to substantial denervation with 50 mg/kg of DSP-4 significantly attenuated the activating effects of cocaine during the first cocaine-paired training session (30 min) in the conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus. Only administration of the higher dose (50 mg/kg) of DSP-4 attenuated line crossings during the last training, while both doses reduced rearings.