The group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268 reduces toluene-induced enhancement of brain-stimulation reward and behavioral disturbances.

Rationale: Toluene, a widely abused solvent with demonstrated addictive potential in humans, hasbeen reported to negatively modulate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and alter glutamatergicneurotransmission. The group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist LY379268 has beenshown to regulate glutamate release transmission and NMDAR function and block toluene-induced locomotorhyperactivity. However, remaining unknown is whether group II mGluRs are involved in the toluene-induced reward-facilitating effect and other behavioral manifestations.

Objectives: The present study evaluated the effects of LY379268 on toluene-induced reward enhancement, motor incoordination, recognition memory impairment, and social interaction deficits.

Results: Our data demonstrated that LY379268 significantly reversed the toluene-induced lowering of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) thresholds and impairments in novel object recognition, rotarod performance, and social interaction with different potencies.

Conclusions: These results indicate a negative modulatory role of group II mGluRs in acute toluene-induced reward-facilitating and behavioral effects and suggest that group II mGluR agonists may have therapeutic potential for toluene addiction and the prevention of toluene intoxication caused by occupational or intentional exposure.