The metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor is necessary for extinction of cocaine-associated cues

Abstract

Background and Purpose There is currently no medication approved specifically to treat cocaine addiction. Behavioural interventions such as cue exposure therapy (CET) rely heavily on new learning. Antagonism of the metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor has emerged as a potential treatment, by reducing the reinforcing properties of cocaine. However, mGlu5 receptor activity is necessary for learning; therefore, such agents could interfere with behavioural treatments. We used a novel rodent model of CET to test the effects of mGlu5 negative and positive allosteric modulators (NAM and PAM) on behavioural therapy. Experimental Approach Rats were trained to press a lever for cocaine in the pre..