PKC inhibition decreases amphetamine-maintained responding under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement

Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021 Dec;29(6):567-572. doi: 10.1037/pha0000425. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Abstract

Protein kinase C (PKC) is important for the mechanism of action of amphetamine (AMPH). Inhibiting PKC blocks AMPH-stimulated increases in extracellular dopamine levels and AMPH-stimulated locomotor activity. This study examined the effects of PKC inhibition on the reinforcing properties of AMPH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to respond for infusions of 0.032 mg/kg/infusion AMPH or for sucrose pellets under a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. Number of infusions earned, breakpoints, and session duration were recorded over consecutive sessions. Once AMPH-maintained responding stabilized, rats were treated with 0, 10, or 30 pmol of enzastaurin, a PKCβ-selective inhibitor, or 6 mg/kg 6c, a brain-permeable PKC inhibitor, 18 hr prior to a self-administration session. Pretreatment with 30 pmol enzastaurin or 6 mg/kg 6c decreased the number of AMPH infusions earned and breakpoints without altering sucrose-maintained behaviors. These data suggest that PKC inhibition decreases motivation for AMPH and, therefore, is worth pursuing as a potential treatment for AMPH-use disorder. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamine* / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants* / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Self Administration

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Amphetamine