M. Papp
Aug 1, 1988
Citations
4
Influential Citations
50
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Abstract
The effect of imipramine (IMI) on the rewarding properties of pharmacological and natural reinforcers was studied with a place preference paradigm. The pairing of distinctive environmental stimuli with either injection of different doses of apomorphine (APO) or presentation of food to hungry rats resulted in a conditioned preference for those stimuli. The development of APO- and food-induced place preference was prevented by short-term administration of IMI. In contrast, long-term pretreatment with IMI significantly potentiated the APO- and food-induced conditioned effect. In separate experiments aversive properties of IMI by itself were also found, as the conditioned avoidance response to the environmental stimuli paired with administration of single doses of IMI was demonstrated. The results indicate an enhancing effect of the long-term IMI administration on the dopamine-mediated reward functions and the rewarding value of natural reinforcers.