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Elsevier Science

Life Sci. 1992;50(19):PL155-9. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(92)90267-s.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists block the stimulant effects of cocaine in mice.

Life sciences

H C Jackson, I J Griffin, D J Nutt

Affiliations

  1. Reckitt & Colman Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Bristol, U.K.

PMID: 1349416 DOI: 10.1016/0024-3205(92)90267-s

Abstract

In the present study we have investigated the effects of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan and its 2-ethoxy derivative RX811059 on the locomotor activity induced by cocaine in mice. The stimulant effects of cocaine (15 mg/kg i.p.) were significantly antagonised by idazoxan (3 mg/kg i.p.) and RX811059 (1 mg/kg i.p.) and also initially suppressed by idazoxan (1 mg/kg i.p.) and RX811059 (0.3 mg/kg i.p.). The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists had no effect on locomotion when given alone. These results suggest that noradrenergic mechanisms may play a role in the stimulant effects of cocaine and that alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists like idazoxan may be of some benefit in the clinical management of cocaine abuse.

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