DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/238P-HH91
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8403-5395
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Pharmacology & Toxicology
First Advisor
Dr. Matthew Banks
Abstract
The maladaptive allocation of behavior towards cocaine and away from other concurrently available non-drug reinforcers (e.g., family, health, work, etc.) is a key characteristic of cocaine use disorder (CUD) that is embedded into multiple diagnostic criteria for CUD. Accordingly, basic research conducted in a drug-vs-food “choice” context has improved our fundamental knowledge of the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of drug reinforcement. However, to date, these preclinical studies have only been conducted with food as the alternative reinforcer. The extent to which other non-drug reinforcers compete with cocaine-taking behavior is unknown. The studies in this dissertation establish two sophisticated discrete-trial cocaine-vs-alternative reinforcer choice procedures in male and female rats. Chapter 1 describes the evaluation of an operant cocaine-vs-social interaction choice procedure in which subjects make the mutually exclusive choice between a cocaine infusion or interacting with a same-sex peer. Chapter 2 describes the evaluation of an operant cocaine-vs-negative reinforcer choice procedure in which subjects make the mutually exclusive choice between a cocaine infusion or avoiding/escaping a foot shock. The sensitivity of both cocaine-vs-social and cocaine-vs-negative reinforcer choice to environmental manipulations (e.g., reinforcer magnitude, response requirement) is systematically reported. The results indicate that social interaction (a positive reinforcer) was an economic substitute for cocaine self-administration, while shock avoidance/escape (a negative reinforcer) was not an economic substitute for cocaine self-administration. These studies extend our knowledge on the behavioral mechanisms of cocaine-taking behavior, provide empirical evidence to inform the development of novel and effective behavioral treatment strategies, and establish useful preclinical models for future studies investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction-like behavior.
Rights
© Madison M. Marcus
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-7-2023
Included in
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons, Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons