Research Keyword: Conditioned Place Preference

Psilocybin Does Not Induce Conditioned Place Preference, But Modifies Behavioral Patterns in Sprague-Dawley Rats

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Researchers tested whether psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, could be addictive by examining reward-seeking behavior in rats. The study found that psilocybin did not create rewarding effects that would typically lead to addiction, and only temporarily changed specific behaviors like head-twitching and grooming while the drug was active. These findings suggest that psilocybin has a low addiction potential and may be safe for therapeutic use in treating mental health conditions.

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Sex-specific role of the 5-HT2A receptor in psilocybin-induced extinction of opioid reward

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Researchers discovered that a single dose of psilocybin can reduce opioid addiction-related behaviors in male mice by activating serotonin receptors in specific brain circuits, but this effect does not work the same way in females. The study reveals that psilocybin changes how the brain processes opioid rewards and withdrawal symptoms, suggesting psychedelics could become a new treatment approach for opioid addiction. However, important sex differences in how the brain responds mean treatments may need to be tailored differently for men and women.

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GluN2B-mediated regulation of silent synapses for receptor specification and addiction memory

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Researchers studied how a specific brain protein called GluN2B affects addiction memories from cocaine use. They found that removing this protein reduced the formation of ‘silent synapses’ – immature brain connections created by cocaine – and weakened drug-related memories. However, this also unexpectedly made mice more active, suggesting that GluN2B normally helps control both addiction memory and activity levels. The findings provide new insights into how addiction memories form and suggest potential ways to treat addiction.

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The Role of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1A (ASIC1A) in the Behavioral and Synaptic Effects of Oxycodone and Other Opioids

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This study examines how a specific type of brain channel called ASIC1A affects how the brain responds to opioid drugs like oxycodone and morphine. Researchers found that mice without this channel showed stronger attraction to opioid-paired locations and had unusual changes in brain connections related to opioid use. The findings suggest that targeting ASIC1A could potentially be a new way to treat opioid addiction by reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these drugs.

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