EFFECT OF (-)-DS-121 AND (-UH-232 ON COCAINE SELF-ADMINISTRATION IN RATS())

The novel dopamine autoreceptor antagonists (-)-DS 121 and (+)-UH 232 were tested for their ability to alter cocaine self-administration beh avior in rats reinforced on a progressive ratio (PR) schedule. (-)-DS 121 (15 mg/kg) and (+)-UH 232 (30 mg/kg) produced significant decrease s in breaking point. (-)-DS 121 produced variable results on rate of c ocaine intake on an FR1 schedule, indicating that rate may on occasion be insensitive to changes in cocaine reinforcement. In animals previo usly trained to self-administer cocaine, (-)-DS 121 failed to maintain responding when substituted for cocaine. This profile suggests that ( -)-DS 121 is a promising new candidate for the treatment of cocaine ab use.