Peer-induced cocaine seeking in rats: comparison to nonsocial stimuli and role of paraventricular hypothalamic oxytocin neurons

Addict Biol, 2022 · DOI: 10.1111/adb.13217 · Published: September 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether social cues (peers) can trigger cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, comparing it to non-social cues (light/tone). The researchers also explored the role of oxytocin (OT) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in this peer-induced cocaine seeking. They found that social peers can be a potent trigger for drug seeking and that oxytocin in the PVN modulates this behavior.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

50 male and 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Rats trained with peer cues showed reduced latency to respond during cocaine sessions compared to those trained with light/tone cues, suggesting anticipatory behavior.
2
The cue light CS, when paired with a social context, was overshadowed by the peer cue, indicating that social cues may have a stronger associative strength.
3
Activation of OT neurons in the PVN decreased peer-induced cocaine seeking, suggesting that OT in this brain region modulates this behavior.

Research Summary

The study compared the ability of social (peer) versus nonsocial (light/tone) cues to reinstate cocaine seeking in rats and investigated the role of oxytocin (OT) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. The results showed that while both social and nonsocial cues could trigger cocaine seeking, peer cues led to faster responses and overshadowed other cues. Activating OT neurons in the PVN reduced peer-induced cocaine seeking, suggesting a role for OT in modulating this social influence on drug-seeking behavior.

Practical Implications

Social Context Matters in Addiction

The study highlights the importance of social context in drug-seeking behavior, suggesting that social cues can be potent triggers for relapse.

Oxytocin as a Potential Therapeutic Target

The finding that OT in the PVN modulates peer-induced reinstatement suggests that OT-based therapies could be developed to help individuals overcome social influences on drug use.

Differences in Social vs. Non-Social Cues

The research highlights fundamental differences in how social and non-social stimuli control drug seeking behavior, which could inform more effective intervention strategies.

Study Limitations

1
Food-reinforced lever pressing prior to cocaine self-administration may have contributed to the reinstatement results.
2
The study did not determine if chemogenetic activity of OT in PVN altered light/tone-induced reinstatement.
3
Rats were housed individually in the home cage, possibly enhancing the saliency of the peer S+.

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