Cross-familiarisation conditioned taste aversion procedure as a method to reveal stimulus resemblance between drugs: studies on the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OHDPAT

Effects of Serial Polydrug Use on the Rewarding and Aversive Effects of the Novel Synthetic Cathinone Eutylone

BACKGROUND

As individual synthetic cathinones become scheduled and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), new ones regularly are produced and distributed. One such compound is eutylone, a novel third-generation synthetic cathinone whose affective properties (and abuse potential) are largely unknown. The following experiments begin to characterize these effects and how they may be impacted by drug history (a factor affecting reward/aversion for other drugs of abuse).

METHODS

Eutylone was assessed for its ability to induce conditioned taste avoidance (CTA; aversive effect) and conditioned place preference (CPP; rewarding effect) and their relationship (Experiment 1). Following this, the effects of exposure to cocaine or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] on eutylone's affective properties were investigated (Experiment 2).

RESULTS

Eutylone produced dose-dependent CTA and CPP (Experiment 1), and these endpoints were unrelated. Pre-exposure to cocaine and MDMA differentially impacted taste avoidance induced by eutylone (MDMA > cocaine) and did not impact eutylone-induced place preference.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that eutylone, like other synthetic cathinones, has co-occurring, independent rewarding and aversive effects that may contribute to its abuse potential and that these effects are differentially impacted by drug history. Although these studies begin the characterization of eutylone, future studies should examine the impact of other factors on eutylone's affective properties and its eventual reinforcing effects (i.e., intravenous self-administration [IVSA]) to predict its use and abuse liability.

Effects of Methylone Pre-Exposure on Fluoxetine-Induced Conditioned Taste Avoidance in Male and Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Background: Prior work has reported that a drug’s aversive effects (as indexed by taste avoidance conditioning) are attenuated when the pre-exposure and conditioning drugs are the same or different. The latter, otherwise known as cross-drug pre-exposure, is especially interesting as it has been used as a tool to assess mechanisms underlying the aversive effects of drugs. We previously reported that methylone pre-exposure differentially impacted the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA (MDPV > MDMA), a difference consistent with the dopaminergic mediation of methylone’s aversive effects. To examine the possible role of serotonin (5-HT) in methylone’s aversive effects, the present study assessed the effects of methylone pre-exposure on taste avoidance induced by the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Methods: Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10 mg/kg of methylone every 4th day (for a total of 5 injections) prior to taste avoidance training with 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine. Results: Fluoxetine induced significant taste avoidance (each p < 0.05) that was independent of sex. Methylone pre-exposure had no impact on avoidance produced by fluoxetine in either males or females (each p > 0.05). Conclusions: Methylone pre-exposure had no impact on fluoxetine-induced avoidance. These findings suggest that it is unlikely that 5-HT mediates the aversive effects of methylone. The implications of the present results for the mechanisms mediating methylone’s aversive effects were discussed. Understanding such mechanisms is important in predictions relevant to drug history and abuse liability as a variety of subject and experiential factors known to affect (reduce) a drug’s aversive effects may increase its use and potential for abuse.

Methylone pre-exposure differentially impacts the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats: Implications for abuse vulnerability

BACKGROUND

Polydrug use is well documented in synthetic cathinone users, although the consequences of such use are not well characterized. In pre-clinical research, a pre-exposure to a drug has been reported to attenuate the aversive effects of other drugs which has implications for their abuse potential. The goal of the present study was to investigate the impact of pre-exposure to the synthetic cathinone methylone on the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA.

METHOD

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10 mg/kg of methylone every 4th day (for a total of five injections) prior to taste avoidance training with 1.8 mg/kg of MDPV or 1 mg/kg of MDMA.

RESULTS

MDPV and MDMA induced taste avoidance in males and females (all p's < 0.05). In males, methylone pre-exposure attenuated the avoidance induced by MDPV and MDMA (all p's < 0.05) with the attenuation greater with MDPV. In females, methylone pre-exposure attenuated avoidance induced by MDPV (all p's < 0.05), but it had no effect on those induced by MDMA (all p's > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of exposure to methylone on taste avoidance induced by MDPV and MDMA were drug- (MDPV > MDMA) and sex- (MDMA only in males) dependent. The attenuating effects of methylone pre-exposure on MDPV and MDMA were discussed in terms of their shared neurochemical action. These findings suggest that a history of methylone use may reduce the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA which may have implications for polydrug use involving the synthetic cathinones.

The role of the aversive effects of drugs in self-administration: assessing the balance of reward and aversion in drug-taking behavior

Since the first experimental demonstration that a drug of abuse supports instrumental behavior, drugs have been discussed in the context of their rewarding effects, which are assumed to drive and maintain drug-taking behavior. Indeed, drug reward has been fundamental in the formulation of most models of drug use, abuse, and addiction. Over the last several decades, however, drugs of abuse have been increasingly recognized as complex pharmacological compounds producing multiple stimulus effects, not all of which are rewarding. The aversive effects of such drugs, for example, have been described by a number of researchers working in the field, although few attempts have been made to investigate the role of these aversive effects in drug taking. The present paper offers a historical perspective on the view that drugs of abuse are complex pharmacological compounds with multiple stimulus effects. In doing so, we argue that the discussion of drug reward only may be insufficient in accounting for drug taking and we present evidence for the theoretical position that both the rewarding and the aversive effects of drugs should be taken into consideration in ongoing attempts to model drug-taking behavior. The present review summarizes several decades of research characterizing the aversive effects of major drugs of abuse, as well as more recent studies seeking to assess directly the role of drug aversion in drug taking.

Dopamine mediates cocaine-induced conditioned taste aversions as demonstrated with cross-drug preexposure to GBR 12909

Although cocaine readily induces taste aversions, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this effect. It has been suggested that its inhibitory effects at one of the monoamine transporters may be mediating this suppression. Using the cross-drug preexposure preparation, the present series of studies examined a possible role of dopamine (DA) in this effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to cocaine (18 mg/kg; Experiment 1) or the selective DA transporter (DAT) inhibitor GBR 12909 (50 mg/kg; Experiment 2) prior to the pairing of a novel saccharin solution with injections of GBR 12909 (32 mg/kg), cocaine (18 mg/kg) or vehicle in a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) procedure. Preexposure to cocaine attenuated aversions induced by itself but not aversions induced by GBR 12909 (Experiment 1). Conversely, preexposure to GBR 12909 attenuated aversions induced by itself and cocaine (Experiment 2). This asymmetry suggests that cocaine and GBR 12909 induce CTAs via similar, but non-identical, mechanisms. These data are discussed in the context of previous work demonstrating roles for dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in cocaine-induced CTAs.

The effects of haloperidol on cocaine-induced conditioned taste aversions

Although the mechanism underlying the rewarding effects of cocaine has been well characterized, little is known about the mechanism underlying its aversive effects. Several reports have indicated a possible role of dopamine (DA) in the aversive effects; however, several procedural issues limit any conclusions regarding its specific role. In order to investigate a possible dopaminergic role in cocaine-induced CTAs using procedures that circumvented these possible issues, the present series of investigations assessed the aversive effects of the DA antagonist haloperidol alone (Experiment 1) and in combination with cocaine (Experiment 2). Haloperidol, at doses that were determined to be non-aversive, yet behaviorally active in a locomotor assessment, attenuated cocaine-induced taste aversions, suggesting that cocaine's aversive effects are mediated in part by dopaminergic activity. These findings were discussed in consideration with other evidence implicating DA and other neurotransmitter systems in cocaine-induced CTAs.

Asymmetric serial interactions between ethanol and cocaine in taste aversion learning

Although the interaction between ethanol and cocaine is well documented, it has generally been limited to situations in which the two drugs are given concurrently. Little exists on the interaction between ethanol and cocaine when one drug is given prior to the other. In Experiment 1, female Long-Evans rats were given five exposures to ethanol (2 g/kg ip) or vehicle prior to taste aversion conditioning with cocaine (32 mg/kg sc) for a total of five conditioning trials. In Experiment 2, rats were given five exposures to cocaine (32 mg/kg sc) or vehicle prior to taste aversion conditioning with ethanol (2 g/kg ip) for a total of five conditioning trials. Ethanol-preexposed, cocaine-conditioned animals (Experiment 1) displayed attenuated aversions to the cocaine-associated solution, drinking significantly greater amounts of saccharin than vehicle-preexposed, conditioned subjects. Conversely, cocaine-preexposed, ethanol-conditioned animals (Experiment 2) displayed robust aversions to the ethanol-associated solution, drinking levels comparable to those consumed by vehicle-preexposed, conditioned subjects and drinking significantly less than controls. Although the basis for these asymmetric effects is not known, they may have implications for abuse vulnerability in that drug history may impact subsequent drug toxicity that, in turn, may alter drug acceptability.

Hormones of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in drug discrimination learning

More than 30 years ago, T-maze studies with progesterone indicated that sex hormones have the potential to act as a discriminative stimulus in rats. Despite these early positive findings, the interest in discriminative stimulus properties of sex hormones remained low; few studies were dedicated to the investigation of discriminative stimulus properties of hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones (i.e., LHRH, LH/FSH, sex steroids). Nevertheless, the few studies that were published showed some interesting, and often sex-dependent results. Applying various methodologies (T-, or Y-maze, two-lever drug discrimination, taste aversion procedures), it was found that not only progesterone but also the two other principal sex steroids estradiol and testosterone can serve as discriminative stimuli in rodents. In addition to these gonadal hormones, the hypothalamic peptide LHRH (having a key role in the neuroendocrine regulation of steroid release from the gonads) appears to generate discriminative stimulus properties. Interestingly, recent (but preliminary) studies in postmenopausal women suggest that estradiol (and possibly progesterone) may also function as a discriminative stimulus in human subjects.

Stimulus properties of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine in conditioned taste aversion procedures

Previous attempts to train pigeons and rats to discriminate between the antidepressant fluvoxamine and its vehicle as assessed in a drug discrimination paradigm have been without success. The present experiments were, therefore, designed to assess in a conditioned taste aversion procedure (CTA) whether or not fluvoxamine possesses stimulus properties. Rats were exposed to a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) procedure. In Experiment I, subjects were given 15 mg/kg fluvoxamine p.o. or vehicle after drinking a novel tasting saccharin solution. In Experiment II, a comparison was made between the effects of 15 mg/kg fluvoxamine i.p., 30 mg/kg fluvoxamine i.p., NaCl, and lithium chloride (LiCl). In Experiment III, subjects were treated with either 10 mg/kg fluoxetine i.p., 30 mg/kg fluvoxamine i.p., or LiCl. CTA was observed after treatment with LiCl, but never after treatment with fluvoxamine or fluoxetine, suggesting that fluvoxamine does not have clear stimulus properties, which can serve as a discriminative stimulus in operant procedures. In a crossfamiliarization CTA procedure in mice, however, fluvoxamine elicited a reliable CTA, suggesting that under certain conditions (species, dose?) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may lead to certain discriminable effects. It is as yet unclear why SSRIs apparently produce such weak and species or situation-dependent discriminable effects.

Antagonism of the 5-HT1A receptor stimulus in a conditioned taste aversion procedure

The conditioned taste aversion procedure in mice was used to test for blockade of the drug stimulus of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin HBr (8-OH-DPAT), 1-(4-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-4- [4-[2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl]butyl]piperazine (E)-2-butenedioate (Org 13011) and the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. The conditioned taste aversion induced by 8-OH-DPAT (0.22 mg/kg) and Org 13011 (0.5 mg/kg) was readily blocked by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY-100635) (0.1 mg/kg). The conditioned taste aversion induced by fluoxetine could not be antagonized by WAY-100635 nor by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist mianserin. It is concluded that the conditioned taste aversion induced by 8-OH-DPAT or Org 13011 is mediated via 5-HT1A receptors. The results suggest that the conditioned taste aversion induced by fluoxetine is not exclusively mediated by 5-HT1A receptors nor exclusively by 5-HT2 receptors. The results also indicate that the conditioned taste aversion paradigm can be used to test for antagonism of stimulus properties of compounds.

Studies on the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the discriminative and aversive stimulus properties of ethanol in the rat

The role of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the discriminative and aversive stimulus effects of ethanol was studied in rats. In the operant drug discrimination procedure the rats were trained to discriminate between 1.0 g/kg ethanol and saline under the FR10 schedule of sweetened milk reinforcement. Neither the nAChR agonist, nicotine (0.1-0.6 mg/kg) nor the nAChR antagonist, mecamylamine (3.0-6.0 mg/kg) substituted for the ethanol stimulus. Moreover, mecamylamine (0.5-6.0 mg/kg) did not antagonise the ethanol stimulus. The cross-familiarisation conditioned taste aversion procedure was used as an alternative method to study stimulus resemblance between ethanol and nicotine. Six daily injections of nicotine (0.6 mg/kg) significantly decreased a subsequent ethanol-induced taste aversion conditioning. The aversive stimulus effects of ethanol were investigated with the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm. Mecamylamine (1.0-3.0 mg/kg) did not attenuate an ethanol-induced CTA. These results suggest that: (1) nAChRs are not primarily involved in the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol when studied with the operant drug discrimination test; (2) nAChRs are not critically involved in the ethanol-induced CTA.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors potentiate 8-OH-DPAT-induced stimulus control in the pigeon

The effects of two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine and citalopram, and a nonselective monoamine reuptake inhibitor, imipramine, were characterized in pigeons that had been trained to discriminate 0.64 mg/kg of 8-hydroxy-(2-di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, from saline. Neither fluoxetine, citalopram, nor imipramine generalized to the 8-OH-DPAT-induced stimulus cue. However, when administered in addition to 8-OH-DPAT, both fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and citalopram (10 mg/kg) lowered the ED50 for generalization of 8-OH-DPAT from 0.16 mg/kg (8-OH-DPAT by itself) to 0.05 mg/kg (fluoxetine + 8-OH-DPAT) and 0.06 mg/kg (citalopram + 8-OH-DPAT). Under similar conditions, imipramine (1 mg/kg) had no effect on the generalization curve for 8-OH-DPAT. The data support the hypothesis that activation of the 5-HT1A receptor may be relevant to the mechanism of action of serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Comparison of the stimulus properties of ethanol and the Ca2+ channel antagonist nimodipine in rats

A variety of L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists, including the dihydropyridine derivative nimodipine, have been shown to be effective in reducing ethanol intake and preference in animal models of alcoholism. The behavioral mechanism involved in the anti-alcohol effects of nimodipine are, however, not clear yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility that the effects of nimodipine on ethanol intake are based on stimulus substitution. Therefore, rats were trained to discriminate ethanol (12.5% w/v, 1000 mg/kg i.p.) from saline in a two-lever food-reinforced drug discrimination procedure (dose range of ethanol tested: 125-1000 mg/kg i.p., ED50 value: 488 mg/kg). In cross-generalization tests with nimodipine (0.15-15 mg/kg i.p.), stimulus substitution was not noted. In addition, a cross-familiarization conditioned taste aversion paradigm was utilized. In rats, 1000 mg/kg i.p. ethanol was used as the reference drug producing a conditioned taste aversion. Effects of preexposure to ethanol (500-1500 mg/kg i.p.) and nimodipine (7.5-30 mg/kg i.p.) on the magnitude of the ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion were investigated as an index for stimulus similarity between preexposure and reference drug. Preexposure to both ethanol and nimodipine prevented the development of a conditioned taste aversion. Contrary to the drug discrimination results, these latter findings suggest that there may be similarities between the stimulus properties of nimodipine and ethanol. Moreover, the apparent discrepancy between the results obtained in drug discrimination and cross-familiarization conditioned taste aversion suggests that different stimulus properties of ethanol control behavior in both procedures. The finding that, under particular conditions, ethanol and nimodipine appear to share common stimulus properties needs to be further evaluated, as this may be related to the reported anti-alcohol effects of nimodipine and other Ca2+ channel antagonists.

Mirtazapine : A Review of its Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential in the Management of Major Depression

SYNOPSIS

Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant with a novel mechanism of action; it increases noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission via blockade of central α2-adrenergic auto- and heteroreceptors. The increased release of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) stimulates serotonin 5-HT1 receptors because mirtazapine directly blocks 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors. The enhancement of both noradrenergic- and 5-HT1 receptor-mediated neurotransmission is thought to be responsible for the antidepressant activity of mirtazapine. In short term (5 to 6 weeks) clinical trials in patients with depression. mirtazapine produces clinical improvements significantly superior to those of placebo, similar to those of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) [amitriptyline, clomipramine and doxepin] and possibly superior to those of trazodone. Short term clinical tolerability data suggest that mirtazapine produces fewer anticholinergic-, adrenergic- and serotonergic-related adverse events than TCAs. In rare cases, mirtazapine, in common with many antidepressants, was associated with potentially serious changes in haematological parameters (e.g. agranulocytosis and neutropenia). The drug appears to be safe in overdose and possesses a very low propensity for inducing seizures. Comparisons with other classes of antidepressants are needed to determine the relative position of mirtazapine in clinical practice. However, preliminary data indicate that mirtazapine, with its novel mechanism of action, is a promising addition to currently available options for the treatment of depression.

PHARMACODYNAMIC PROPERTIES

In vitro neurochemical studies have demonstrated that mirtazapine blocks central α2-adrenergic auto- and heteroreceptors, but has no effect on noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake. The affinity of the drug was 10-fold higher for central presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors than for central postsynaptic and peripheral α2-adrenoceptors, and 30-fold higher for α2-adrenoceptors than for α1-adrenoceptors. Microdialysis and neurophysiological experiments as well as behavioural studies performed in rats support the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist properties of mirtazapine. Receptor binding studies have shown that mirtazapine has a high affinity for serotonin 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors, central and peripheral histamine H1 receptors and a low affinity for 5-HT1, dopaminergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Its activity at serotonin receptor subtypes has been confirmed in animal behaviour models. Mirtazapine activates 5-HT1 receptor-mediated serotonergic neurotransmission by enhancing the stimulatory effect of the noradrenergic system on serotonergic cell firing (an α1-adrenoceptor-mediated effect) as well as antagonising the inhibitory effect of the noradrenergic system on serotonin release (an α2-adrenoceptor-mediated effect). Electrophysiological experiments have demonstrated that mirtazapine enhances serotonergic transmission through blockade of presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors. The drug does not inhibit serotonin reuptake.

PHARMACOKINETIC PROPERTIES

The bioavailability of mirtazapine is approximately 50%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2.2 to 3.1 hours after single oral doses of 15 to 75mg and are dose-dependent. Mirtazapine is extensively metabolised in the liver; up to 85% of the drug is eliminated in the urine (up to 4% as unchanged drug) and the remaining 15% is eliminated in the faeces. The mean elimination half-life of mirtazapine is approximately 22 hours, making it suitable for once-daily administration.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

In randomised double-blind comparative trials including patients with major depression, short term (5 to 6 weeks) therapy with mirtazapine was significantly more effective than placebo, as effective as amitriptyline, clomipramine and doxepin, and at least as effective as trazodone. Results from a meta-analysis of 5 comparative trials in which 60% of patients were hospitalised with severe depression [mean baseline 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score ≥25] revealed no significant differences between mirtazapine and amitriptyline. The responder rates (≥50% decrease in HAMD score from baseline) at 6 weeks and study end-point were 70 and 61 %, respectively, for mirtazapine and 73 and 64%, respectively, for amitriptyline. In a comparative trial in older outpatients (mean age 61 to 63 years), reductions in rating scale scores of depression and the percentage of responders tended to be higher in mirtazapine than in trazodone recipients.

TOLERABILITY

The tolerability profile of mirtazapine is based on results from short term (5 to 6 weeks) comparisons with placebo and other antidepressants; no longer term data are available. Drowsiness (23 vs 14%), excessive sedation (19 vs 5%), dry mouth (25 vs 16%), increased appetite (11 vs 2%) and bodyweight gain (10 vs 1%) occurred significantly more frequently with mirtazapine in placebo-controlled trials. Analysis of blood pressure, heart rate and symptoms of sexual dysfunction indicated no significant differences between mirtazapine and placebo recipients. In a meta-analysis, mirtazapine appeared to be better tolerated than amitriptyline, with significantly fewer patients experiencing anticholinergic (dry mouth, constipation, and abnormal accommodation and vision), cardiac (palpitations and tachycardia) and neurological (tremor and vertigo) adverse events. Mirtazapine was at least as well tolerated as clomipramine, doxepin and trazodone in comparative trials and appeared to be associated with slightly lower incidences of anticholinergic and neurological adverse events than these drugs. Clinical trial and postmarketing surveillance data suggest that mirtazapine has a very low potential for inducing seizures. Excessive but transient somnolence was the only symptom noted in 10 patients taking an overdose (up to 315mg) of mirtazapine. Mirtazapine is infrequently associated with clinically relevant changes in laboratory parameters. Granulocytopenia and elevated alanine aminotransferase levels have been reported; most were mild in severity and returned to normal values with continued administration of mirtazapine. Elevated cholesterol levels (mean 3 to 4%) have also been reported.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The recommended starting dosage of mirtazapine is 15 mg/day for 4 days, then 30 mg/day for 10 days. If effective, the drug should be continued unchanged at this dosage or, in patients assessed as insufficiently improved, the daily dosage may be further increased to 45 mg/day. In patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, careful dosage titration as well as regular and close monitoring for adverse events is recommended. Concomitant use of mirtazapine and diazepam or alcohol (ethanol) may also impair cognitive and/or motor performance.

Comparison of stimulus properties of fluoxetine and 5-HT receptor agonists in a conditioned taste aversion procedure

Pre-exposure to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists in conditioned taste aversion experiments was used to characterize the stimulus properties of fluoxetine. The taste aversion induced by fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was completely prevented when mice were pre-exposed to fluoxetine or when they were pre-exposed to the preferential 5-HT1C receptor agonist MK 212. Pre-exposure to MK 212 also prevented the conditioned taste aversion induced by another serotonin uptake inhibitor, paroxetine. A partial attenuation of fluoxetine-induced conditioned taste aversion was seen after pre-exposure to a high dose of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 1 mg/kg), but not to lower doses. No familiarization for the fluoxetine stimulus was obtained by pre-exposure to treatments with the mixed 5-HT1C/2 receptor agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI). With the reversed sequence, pre-exposure to fluoxetine prevented the conditioned taste aversion induced by MK 212 or 8-OH-DPAT and reduced that induced by DOI. It is concluded that the acute stimulus properties of fluoxetine mostly resemble those of a 5-HT1C receptor agonist. This supports the suggestion that the 5-HT1C receptor can play an important role in the therapeutic effect of 5-HT reuptake inhibitors.