Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Acute Co-Administration of the Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist WIN 55- 212,2 does not Influence 3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA)- Induced Effects on Effort-Based Decision Making, Locomotion, Food Intake and Body Temperature

Schulz S, Gundelach J, Hayn L, Koch M and Svärd HK

Acute behavioural effects of co-administration of the illegal drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA,
7.5.mg/kg, s.c.) and the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 (WIN, 1.2mg/kg, i.p.) in rats were
investigated. MDMA impaired performance on a T-maze effort-based decision making task. MDMA and MDMA+WIN treatment increased body temperature to a similar extent, whereas WIN increased temperature at an earlier time point. Locomotion, exploratory behaviour and food intake was comparable in MDMA and MDMA+WIN-treated animals. MDMAinduced decreased exploration anxiety in the open field was diminished by WIN. In summary, acute co-administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist did not substantially modulate the MDMA-induced behavioural effects.