Effects of calcium channel antagonists on the reinforcing properties of morphine, ethanol and cocaine as measured by place conditioning

J Physiol Pharmacol. 1996 Sep;47(3):497-502.

Abstract

Morphine, ethanol and cocaine were examined in place conditioning paradigm. After initial preferences were determined, animals were conditioned with morphine (5 mg/kg), ethanol (1 g/kg) and cocaine (5 mg/kg) alone or combinations of these drugs plus some calcium antagonists: nifedipine (5 and 10 mg/kg) and verapamil (5 and 10 mg/kg). Nifedipine prevented the ability of morphine and cocaine, but not of ethanol, to produce a place preference. Our results suggest that substances which can influence calcium distribution are involved in the rewarding actions of some drugs-morphine and cocaine. Dihydropyridine, a calcium channel antagonists might be clinically useful for the treatment of morphine and cocaine abuse.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Cocaine* / pharmacology
  • Conditioning, Psychological / drug effects*
  • Ethanol* / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Morphine* / pharmacology
  • Nifedipine / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reward
  • Substance-Related Disorders / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Ethanol
  • Morphine
  • Cocaine
  • Nifedipine
  • Calcium