3-OH-pip-BTCP, a metabolite of the potent DA uptake blocker BTCP, exerts cocaine-like action in rats.

A previous study showed that N-[1-(2-benzo[b]thiophenyl)cyclo-hexyl]piperidin-3-ol (3-OH-pip-BTCP), an active metabolite of the potent dopamine reuptake inhibitor N-[1-(2-benzo[b]thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP), exhibits stimulant effects in rats (i.e. increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and increases locomotion). The present study sought to further characterize the behavioral profile of 3-OH-pip-BTCP, specifically, its interaction with cocaine-maintained behavior. Cocaine self-administration was examined in 3-OH-pip-BTCP pretreated rats. 3-OH-pip-BTCP (0-20 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently decreased cocaine self-administration. Additionally, 3-OH-pip-BTCP (10 mg/kg) shifted the cocaine dose-response to the left.Together, these results suggest that 3-OH-pip-BTCP shares similar reinforcing effects with cocaine and therefore may serve as a substitutive drug and possible agonist therapy for cocaine addiction.