How Preclinical Models Evolved to Resemble the Diagnostic Criteria of Drug Addiction

Abstract

Drug addiction is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder that affects a subset of the individuals who take drugs. It is characterized by maladaptive drug-seeking habits that are maintained despite adverse consequences and intense drug craving. Despite extensive research, the pathophysiology and aetiology of addiction is only partially understood, due to the gap between current preclinical models of addiction and the clinical criteria of the disorder. Here we give a brief overview, based on selected methodologies, of how behavioral models have evolved over the last fifty years to the development of recent preclinical models of addiction that more closely mimic diagnostic criteria of addiction. These new models will hopefully increase our understanding of the complex neurobiological mechanisms whereby some individuals switch from controlled drug use to compulsive drug-seeking habits and relapse to these maladaptive habits. Additional, by paving the way to bridge the gap that exists between biobehavioral research on addiction and the human situation, these models may provide new perspectives for the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies for drug addiction.

PPAR‐gamma agonist pioglitazone modifies craving intensity and brain white matter integrity in patients with primary cocaine use disorder: a double‐blind randomized controlled pilot trial

“…Specifically, craving is a well-known trigger of relapse (48, 49), and stress induces heightened reactivity and craving to drug cues thereby increasing relapse risk (50–52). Notably, PIO was effective in reducing drug intake in a preclinical model of stress-induced relapse (53).…”

Presynaptic G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Gatekeepers of Addiction?

“…Preclinical models of drug abuse including investigator-administered passive drug exposure, conditioned place preference (CPP) and operant drug self-administration have been used to evaluate the multifaceted relationships between presynaptic GPCRs and drugs of abuse (for reviews of common animal models, see Belin-Rauscent et al, 2016; Scofield et al, 2016). Based on these studies, several prominent themes have emerged.…”

Nucleus accumbens hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels modulate methamphetamine self-administration in rats

“…A low rate of FR reinforcement provides a measure of positive reinforcement and animals' voluntary drugtaking behaviors, whereas the PR reinforcement illuminates the rewarding efficacy of drug and animals' increased motivation for drug (Belin-Rauscent et al 2016;DerocheGamonet et al 2004;O'Brien and Gardner 2005;Roberts et al 2007). These two reinforcement schedules elucidate different aspects of addiction.…”