A role for AMPA kainate receptors in conditioned place preference induced by diazepam in the rat

There is increasing evidence for a role of glutamate receptors in the reinf orcing properties of dependence producing drugs such as the psychostimulant s and opiates. Activation of AMPA/kainate receptors are implicated in the a cquisition of amphetamine-induced reinforcement but a role for this recepto r in benzodiazepine-induced reinforcement has not been examined. In the pre sent study the ability of the orally active AMPA/kainate antagonist GYKI 52 466 was assessed for its ability to block the reinforcing properties of dia zepam in a conditioned place preference paradigm. Diazepam (2.5 and 5.0 mg/ kg, i.p.) produced a robust place preference and GYKI 52466 inhibited the a cquisition of place preference conditioning-induced by diazepam. These resu lts suggest that glutamatergic pathways are an important component of the c ircuitry involved in the acquisition of a benzodiazepine induced place pref erence. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.