The effects of methamphetamine and buprenorphine, and their interaction on anxiety-like behavior and locomotion in male rats

Abstract Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse and dependence are major global problems. Most of previous studies showed that Meth is anxiogenic. While buprenorphine (Bup) is used to treat anxiety-related behaviors, the effects of Meth in combination with Bup on anxiety-like behavior are unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of these drugs on anxiety-like behavior with the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests, which are widely used to assess anxiety-like behavior in small rodents. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham, Meth, Bup, and Bup + Meth. The groups were administered their assigned treatments for 7 days. The time spent in the open arms, and number of total entries into the arms (total activity) in the EPM were recorded. In addition, locomotor activity and number of entrances into the center area in the OF were recorded. The 7-day administration of Meth or Bup increased open arm exploration in the EPM. In contrast, the combined administration of Bup and Meth had the opposite effects. In addition, Meth and Bup had no effects on total and locomotor activity. Furthermore, the rats in the Meth and Bup groups spent more time in the center of the OF, while the group given both Bup and Meth spent less time in the center of the OF. The administration of Meth and Bup alone was anxiolytic in rats, whereas the coadministration of Bup and Meth was anxiogenic.