DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/80BG-6482
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Pharmacology & Toxicology
First Advisor
Dr. Jenny L. Wiley
Second Advisor
Dr. Joseph H. Porter
Abstract
The developmental psychopharmacology of cannabinoids is poorly understood and little is known about the developmental consequences of repeated exposure to cannabinoid antagonists. In these experiments, male Long-Evans rats were treated with SR141716A, a cannabinoid antagonist, throughout adolescence and allowed unrestricted access to food. Control groups were treated with vehicle during the same developmental period and allowed either unrestricted access to food or were pair-fed with a member of the SR-treated group. Motivation to work for food was measured in progressive-ratio sessions at varying levels of food deprivation. For rats that consumed fewer calories throughout adolescence, whether because of pharmacological intervention or food-restriction, motivation was not significantly related to the level of food deprivation. Additionally, the SR-treated group ate more of a novel, palatable food than the vehicle-treated group. Finally, the SR-treated group was generally more motivated to work for food than the pair-fed group, irrespective of the level of deprivation.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008