PSI2017-82604; PRE2018-085673; I Plan Propio de Investigación, Transferencia y Divulgación Científica de la Universidad de MálagaLasting neurobehavioral adaptations such as cognitive decline are induced by chronic cocaine
exposure in animal models. However, persistent changes in motor and exploratory responses are
rarely reported. In this study, mice were administered a cocaine dose (COC, 20 mg/kg/day) or saline
(SAL) repeatedly for 12 consecutive days in their home cage. After 24 days of drug withdrawal, they
were submitted to a behavioral test battery to assess motor/exploratory activity and anxiety-like
behavior (elevated plus maze and open field tests), behavioral despair (forced swimming test),
working and reference memory (spontaneous alternation behavior –SAB- and novel place
recognition memory tests). This behavioral assessment was carried out in drug-free conditions and in
unfamiliar environments, so no cocaine-associated stimuli were presented. The cocaine-withdrawn
mice showed cognitive deficits in spontaneous alternation behavior and place recognition memory.
Importantly, they also displayed hyperlocomotion, increased rearing activity and altered exploratory
patterns in different tasks. In the forced swimming test, they were more active (struggled/climbed
more) when trying to escape from the water albeit showing similar immobility behavior than
controls. In conclusion, in addition to cognitive deficits, chronic cocaine may induce lasting changes
in psychomotor activation even in unfamiliar environments not associated to the drug. This outcome
may be influenced by factors related to exploration, energy or emotionality.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech
