Title: Self-administration of the isomers of pentobarbital and secobarbital by Rhesus monkeys
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that the isomers of pentobarbital and secobarbital have behavioral effects that are qualitatively similar to those of the racemic mixture, but that the S-(−) isomers are more potent than the R-(+) isomers. The present study was designed to compare the reinforcing effects of the isomers of these compounds to those of the racemic mixtures in monkeys experienced in the intravenous self-administration of barbiturates. Rhesus monkeys (N=3) were prepared with indwelling intravenous catheters and allowed to self-administer racemic pentobarbital in 1-hour sessions under a fixed ratio 5 schedule. When responding was stable, various doses of (+,−) pentobarbital, (+,−) secobarbital and single doses of both isomers of these compounds were substituted for the baseline drug in a mixed order. All of the compounds functioned as positive reinforcers in all monkeys. R-(+) isomers were self-administered at higher rates than the racemic mixtures which were self-administered at higher rates than the S-(−) isomers. The results demonstrate that both isomers of these barbiturates can function as positive reinforcers.
Publication Year: 1989
Publication Date: 1989-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 5
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