The D1/D2-like receptor antagonist flupentixol and the D2-like receptor antagonist L-741626 decrease operant responding for nicotine and food and locomotor activity in male and female rats
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online February, 2023
The D1/D2-like receptor antagonist flupentixol and the D2-like receptor antagonist L-741626 decrease operant responding for nicotine and food and locomotor activity in male and female rats
The reinforcing properties of nicotine play a critical role in smoking and vaping. There is a need for treatments that decrease the reinforcing properties of nicotine and thereby improve smoking and vaping rates. Dopamine plays a role in the reinforcing properties of nicotine, but little is known about the role of dopamine D2-like receptors in nicotine intake and whether there are sex differences in the effects of dopaminergic drugs on nicotine intake.
Aim:
The goal of the present studies was to investigate the effects of the D1/D2-like receptor antagonist flupentixol and the D2-like receptor antagonist L-741626 on nicotine self-administration in male and female rats.
Methods:
The effects of flupentixol and L-741626 on operant responding for nicotine and food and locomotor activity in a small open field were investigated.
Results:
There were no sex differences in baseline nicotine intake. The D1/D2-like receptor antagonist flupentixol and the D2-like receptor antagonist L-741626 decreased operant responding for nicotine. Blockade of D1/D2-like receptors and blockade of D2-like receptors also decreased operant responding for food and decreased locomotor activity. Flupentixol induced a greater decrease in operant responding for food in males than females. However, in the other tests, there were no sex differences in the effects of the dopamine receptor antagonists.
Conclusions:
Blockade of D1/D2-like receptors with flupentixol and D2-like receptors with L-741626 decreases nicotine and food intake in rats of both sexes. These compounds also decrease locomotor activity which might be indicative of a sedative effect.
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