Effects of the Trace Amine Associated Receptor 1 Agonist RO5263397 on Abuse-Related Behavioral Indices of Methamphetamine in Rats

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine is a major drug of abuse with no effective pharmacotherapy available. Trace amine associated receptor 1 is implicated in cocaine addiction and represents a potential therapeutic target. However, the effects of trace amine associated receptor 1 agonists on addiction-related behavioral effects of methamphetamine are unknown. METHODS: This study examined the effects of a trace amine associated receptor 1 agonist RO5263397 on methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization, methamphetamine self-administration, cue- and methamphetamine-induced reinstatement of drug seeking, and cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose-seeking behaviors in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to examine the effects of methamphetamine alone and in combination with the trace amine associated receptor 1 agonist RO5263397 (3.2–10mg/kg). RESULTS: RO5263397 dose-dependently attenuated the expression of behavioral sensitization to methamphetamine, reduced methamphetamine self-administration, and decreased both cue- and a priming dose of methamphetamine-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behaviors. However, RO5263397 did not alter cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose-seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, trace amine associated receptor 1 agonists attenuate some abuse-related behavioral effects of methamphetamine, strongly suggesting that drugs activating trace amine associated receptor 1 may be potentially useful for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction and warrant further studies.