Nitrous oxide (N(2)O), a pharmacological active gas and an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of alcohol and tobacco withdrawal syndrome. However, the neurobiological bases of N(2)O effects are unknown. The aim of the present studies was to examine the effect of N(2)O on acquisition and expression of morphine- (10 mg/kg; s.c.)...
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), a widely used recreational drug with psychoactive properties, induces both serotonin and dopamine release in the brain. However, little is known about its intracellular effects. We previously showed that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine rewarding effects in mice were dependent upon extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and that dorsal...