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Effects of in utero cocaine exposure on the relative reinforcing strength of cocaine in adult rhesus monkeys using a delay discounting procedure
Author(s) -
Brutcher Robert E,
Nader Michael A
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.795.9
Subject(s) - in utero , delay discounting , cocaine use , discounting , prenatal cocaine exposure , psychology , medicine , prenatal exposure , developmental psychology , pregnancy , gestation , biology , psychiatry , fetus , impulsivity , economics , genetics , finance
The goal of the present study is to examine the behavioral and neuropharmacological consequences of in utero cocaine (COC) exposure in adult male and female rhesus monkeys. Previous data from our laboratory have shown that prenatally COC exposed (PCE) male monkeys have altered dopamine D 3 receptor function, a preference for smaller, non‐delayed food reinforcers relative to the larger delayed reinforcers and acquire COC self‐administration more rapidly than controls. In this study, we utilized a cocaine‐food delayed discounting procedure in order to examine (1) the reinforcing strength of COC between groups and sexes and (2) sensitivity to contingency changes associated with COC injections. Under baseline conditions, PCE (n = 9) and control (n = 8) monkeys could choose between COC (0.001–0.3 mg/kg) and 1‐g food pellets. Following determination of a COC dose‐effect curve, delays were associated with COC choice. Preliminary data suggest that both groups of monkeys choose COC over food at similar doses. However, PCE monkeys persist on the cocaine‐associated lever at longer delays compared to control monkeys, who switch preference to food reinforcement following modest delays to COC presentation. These preliminary findings suggest that differences in sensitivity to the reinforcing strength of COC in adult PCE monkeys may lead to insensitivity to contingency management treatment strategies.