Abstract
Sign tracking is defined as when an organism interacts with a conditioned stimulus that signals something desired. This is comparable to when a drug addict is engaging in drug seeking behaviors after interacting with a stimulus which could be associated with drug use. Reducing this type of behavior in addicts who are trying to overcome drug dependence may help prevent relapse. One drug which could be useful is Labetalol, which is an alpha and beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). 17 male Sprague Dawley rats were conditioned over the course of 5 days to associate the presence of a lever with food delivery. Subjects were tested under the influence of 0 mg/kg or saline, 2.5 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg of Labetalol. No significant effects were found on the total number of sign tracking behaviors or sign tracking latency. We have tried alpha blockers, beta blockers, and a combination thereof and this shows that more research is needed on these types of drugs.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Psychology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
John Holden, Ph.D.
Start Date
4-19-2023 9:00 AM
End Date
4-19-2023 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
7
Included in
Effects of Labetolol on Sign Tracking
Sign tracking is defined as when an organism interacts with a conditioned stimulus that signals something desired. This is comparable to when a drug addict is engaging in drug seeking behaviors after interacting with a stimulus which could be associated with drug use. Reducing this type of behavior in addicts who are trying to overcome drug dependence may help prevent relapse. One drug which could be useful is Labetalol, which is an alpha and beta-blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). 17 male Sprague Dawley rats were conditioned over the course of 5 days to associate the presence of a lever with food delivery. Subjects were tested under the influence of 0 mg/kg or saline, 2.5 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg of Labetalol. No significant effects were found on the total number of sign tracking behaviors or sign tracking latency. We have tried alpha blockers, beta blockers, and a combination thereof and this shows that more research is needed on these types of drugs.
