Researchers involved in clinical trials for a new anti-depressant drug, drug J,

Question

Researchers involved in clinical trials for a new anti-depressant drug, drug J, suspect that the drug may be having side effects and could be addictive. They decide to investigate the addictive properties of the drug in mice. Using a behavioral paradigm the researchers find that the drug causes dependence. They therefore compare the effects of drug J in wild-type mice with its effects in D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) knockout mice and find that D2R knockout mice are resistant and do not develop drug dependence.

a) Describe the behavioral paradigm that can be used to test whether drug J is addictive.

b) Why do they compare wild-type mice with D2R knockout mice?

c) What can you conclude about the mechanisms of action of drug J?

Explanation / Answer

a) Using a conditioned place preference paradigm that involves the association of one of two compartments of a chambered box with drug treatment, followed by the association of the other compartment with the absence of the drug (usually the drug

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