KCNQ2/3 channel agonist flupirtine reduces cocaine place preference in rats

Behav Pharmacol. 2017 Aug;28(5):405-407. doi: 10.1097/FBP.0000000000000287.

Abstract

The efficacy of KCNQ2/3 channel agonists against drug reward has not been defined despite their ability to reduce locomotor-stimulant and dopamine-activating effects of psychostimulants. We tested the hypothesis that flupirtine (FLU) (2.5, 10, 20 mg/kg), a KCNQ2/3 agonist, reduces cocaine (15 mg/kg) conditioned place preference. FLU (20 mg/kg), injected concurrently with cocaine during conditioning, reduced the development of cocaine conditioned place preference. FLU (20 mg/kg) also reduced cocaine locomotor activation without affecting baseline activity. The disruption of cocaine place preference by FLU suggests that KCNQ2/3 channels influence cocaine's rewarding effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aminopyridines / metabolism
  • Aminopyridines / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology
  • Cocaine / pharmacology
  • Conditioning, Operant / drug effects
  • Dopamine Agents / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • KCNQ3 Potassium Channel / agonists
  • KCNQ3 Potassium Channel / drug effects*
  • Locomotion / drug effects
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Dopamine / drug effects
  • Reward

Substances

  • Aminopyridines
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Dopamine Agents
  • KCNQ3 Potassium Channel
  • Receptors, Dopamine
  • Cocaine
  • flupirtine