Source Paper
Enhancement of Locomotor Activity and Conditioned Reward to Cocaine by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Brian A. Horger, Christiana A. Iyasere, Melissa T. Berhow, Chad J. Messer, Eric J. Nestler et al.
Journal of Neuroscience • 1999
Cocaine Sensitization in BDNF Knockout Mice
Objective: To examine locomotor sensitization to repeated cocaine doses in heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice compared with wild-type littermates
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Materials2
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Protocol Steps
Baseline assessment
Establish baseline locomotor activity in heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice and wild-type littermate controls prior to cocaine administration
Note: This is the control condition for comparison
View evidence from paper
“we examined locomotor sensitization to cocaine in heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice and found that the development of sensitization was delayed compared with wild-type littermates”
Repeated cocaine administration
Administer cocaine doses to both heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice and wild-type littermates via intraperitoneal injection at doses of 5-15 mg/kg
Note: Doses range from 5-15 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally
View evidence from paper
“the psychomotor stimulant effects of cocaine (5–15 mg/kg, i.p.) were studied”
Measure locomotor activity
Monitor and record locomotor activity in response to repeated cocaine doses in both genotypes
Note: Activity measurement equipment and methodology not specified in provided text
View evidence from paper
“we examined locomotor sensitization to cocaine in heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice”
Compare sensitization development
Compare the development of locomotor sensitization between heterozygous BDNF knock-out mice and wild-type littermates across repeated cocaine administrations
Note: Primary outcome comparison between genotypes
View evidence from paper
“the development of sensitization was delayed compared with wild-type littermates”