IRBEH/Spit for Science Publications and Presentations
Document Type
Presentation
Original Publication Date
2025
Date of Submission
June 2025
Abstract
In the two studies that I participated in, a behavioral economic demand curve and choice procedure, we assessed whether two alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (i.e., xylazine, clonidine, and lofexidine) altered fentanyl reinforcement in male and female sprague dawley rats. We hypothesized that xylazine and clonidine would enhance fentanyl reinforcement in a proportion-dependent manner. Lofexidine interactions with fentanyl were more difficult to predict. The data showed that xylazine did not enhance fentanyl reinforcement. Furthermore, these results were consistent with those of clonidine and lofexidine. In opposition to xylazine, clonidine and lofexidine are approved for human use for antinociception, reduction of blood pressure, or treatment of opioid withdrawal. Conclusively, when administered alone, clonidine and lofexidine do not function as reinforcers in rats. Moreover, these data suggest that alpha-2 agonists in fixed-proportion mixtures with fentanyl do not enhance fentanyl reinforcement such that fentanyl demand curves were similar in the absence or presence of clonidine or lofexidine. Thus, further research effort is required to understand the adulteration of illicit fentanyl with alpha-2 agonists such as xylazine into the illicit drug supply.
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Spit for Science Publications and Presentations