Conclusions
Discriminative stimuli powerfully motivate opioid seeking, despite continued aversive consequences. Pavlovian approach differences do not predict the level of DS-modulated reinstatement to fentanyl seeking after conflict-induced abstinence.
Methods
We used Pavlovian lever autoshaping (PLA) training to determine sign-, goal-, and intermediate tracking groups in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. We then trained rats in a DS model of intermittent fentanyl self-administration, and extinguished drug seeking by imposing an electric barrier of increasing intensity. We then measured the level of DS-modulated reinstatement in the presence of a reduced electric barrier intensity.
Results
We report that DS strongly modulate fentanyl seeking after electric barrier-induced abstinence. DS-modulation of fentanyl acquisition, electric barrier-induced abstinence, and reinstatement was similar for sign- and goal-tracking groups. Conclusions: Discriminative stimuli powerfully motivate opioid seeking, despite continued aversive consequences. Pavlovian approach differences do not predict the level of DS-modulated reinstatement to fentanyl seeking after conflict-induced abstinence.