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In vivo microdialysis and conditioned place preference studies in rats are consistent with abuse potential of tramadol
Author(s) -
Sprague Jon E.,
Leifheit Michael,
Selken Jennifer,
Milks Michael M.,
Kinder David H.,
Nichols David E.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
synapse
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.809
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1098-2396
pISSN - 0887-4476
DOI - 10.1002/syn.10025
Subject(s) - microdialysis , conditioned place preference , tramadol , nucleus accumbens , morphine , pharmacology , in vivo , dopamine , chemistry , mdma , anesthesia , medicine , analgesic , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Abstract The abuse potential of tramadol was investigated using both in vivo microdialysis measures of dopamine (DA) release within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in rats. Tramadol (75 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a statistically significant increase (starting 80 min posttreatment) in DA release within the NAc shell, which was maintained for at least 120 min posttreatment. Tramadol (18.75, 37.5, and 75 mg/kg i.p.) produced a statistically significant CPP, with the effects of the two highest doses comparable to those induced by morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.). The release of DA within the NAc shell may be responsible for the rewarding properties of tramadol and, together with the CPP results, provide evidence that tramadol may possess greater abuse potential than originally believed. Synapse 43:118–121, 2002. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.