D-Cycloserine facilitates extinction of conditioned alcohol-seeking behaviour in rats

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of partial NMDA receptor agonist d-cycloserine (DCS) on the extinction of conditioned alcohol-seeking behaviour. Methods: For this purpose, rats were administered with DCS 60 min before each successive extinction session. Resumption of alcohol responding was carried out 1 day after the final extinction session. Results: We demonstrate that treatment of rats with 5 mg/kg of DCS was capable in facilitating extinction of conditioned alcohol-seeking behaviour, which subsequently reduced the resumption of extinguished operant responding. Conclusions: Our study suggests a good rationale for the development of new add-on medications for exposure-based psychotherapy so as to extinguish drug-conditioned appetitive memories in alcohol-dependent patients. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol. All rights reserved.