Effects of Bupropion on Sign-tracking

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Sign-tracking is defined as the tendency of an organism to engage with a conditioned stimulus that has been paired with a rewarding unconditioned stimulus. Sign-tracking behavior may be comparable to the behavior drug addicts demonstrate when going through a period of relapse after being exposed to a stimulus they associate with drug use. A medication that reduces sign-tracking could be used to aid in drug addiction treatment. In this study, we investigate the effect of bupropion on sign tracking behavior, hoping to explore if this drug can aid in drug addiction treatment. Subjects were 48 male Sprague Dawley rats. In order to measure sign tracking, operant chambers were used. Subjects were conditioned over the course of 5 days to associate the presence of a lever with food delivery. Then subjects were tested under the influence of 0, 20,40, or 60 Mg/kg of Bupropion. In the present study, Significant differences were found and Bupropion was found to reduce sign tracking.