Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
12-2013
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dr. Russ Brown
Committee Members
Dr. Eric Sellers, Dr. Matthew Palmateir
Abstract
This investigation was an analysis of the effects of methylphenidate (MPH; trade name: Ritalin) on drug reward using the conditioned place preference (CPP) behavioral paradigm in a rodent model and underlying mechanisms of this effect. Animals were conditioned in adolescence from postnatal day (P)33-39) or P44-49 with saline, 1 or 5 mg/kg MPH. Rats administered 5 mg/kg but not 1 mg/kg MPH, resulted in a significant preference that was more robust in younger male adolescent rats. The 5 mg/kg dose of MPH also resulted in a significant decrease of the dopamine transporter in both the nucleus accumbens and striatum, revealing dopamine clearance is decreased by MPH in brain areas that mediate reward. Finally, MPH-induced CPP was blocked by the dopamine D1 but not D2 antagonist, demonstrating the importance of the D1 receptor in the rewarding effects of MPH. These results demonstrate that dopamine mediates the rewarding effects of MPH in adolescence.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Freeman, Elizabeth D., "Methylphenidate Conditioned Place Preference in Juvenile and Adolescent Male and Female Rats" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2293. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2293
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Biological Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Other Psychology Commons