REM sleep deprivation before extinction or reinstatement alters methamphetamine reward memory via D1-like dopamine receptors

Abstract

We aimed to determine whether REM sleep deprivation (RSD) affects extinction and reinstatement of methamphetamine (METH) reward memory in male rats and also to evaluate the possible role of dopamine D1-like and D2-like dopamine (DA) receptors in these processes. Male rats were trained to acquire METH-induced place preference (2 mg/kg, i.p.). METH reward memory was then reinstated following a 10-day extinction period. The animals underwent a 72-hour sleep deprivation episode by multiple platforms method (in separate groups), either before the extraction or before the reinstatement of METH reward memory. The animals received SCH 23390 (0.01 or 0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) or sulpiride (20 or 60 mg/kg, i.p.) as antagonists of D1-like and D2-like DA receptors, respectively, either immediately following each daily extinction session or before the reinstatement of METH-seeking behavior. The RSD episode postponed extinction and facilitated reinstatement of METH reward memory. Administration of SCH 23390, but not sulpiride, facilitated METH extinction and decreased reinstatement of the extinguished METH-seeking behavior. Moreover, locomotor activity was not affected by METH and/or the RSD paradigm. The results would seem to suggest that the D1-like, but not the D2-like, DA receptors may be involved in the extinction and reinstatement of the extinguished METH reward memory in RSD animals. Nonetheless, more investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms involved.

Keywords: Dopamine receptors; Extinction; Methamphetamine; REM sleep deprivation; Reinstatement; Reward memory.