Behavioral sensitization is the phenomenon described as the repetitive, infrequent drug administration that leads to a progressive increase in a response to that drug over time and defined as augmented locomotion. Behavioral sensitization can smoothly be measured in animals by defining alternation in their locomotion in a drug response. Methylphenidate is an inhibitor of dopamine transporter and profound for the therapeutics of associated with attention deficit hyperactivity, but it has been reported that long term usage can cause addiction and dependency. It develops locomotor sensitization. Modafinil is an innovative agent that promotes attentiveness and alertness. It localized wakefulness areas concerning drug-induced neuronal activation via an action on oradrenergic neurotransmission. This preclinical work was intended in order to explore the consequences of agents like modafinil pretreatment on methylphenidate influenced behavioral sensitization. The results determined that doses 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg of methylphenidate produce an induction in activity in an activity box and open field as antidepressant-like effect and reduction of anxiogenesis novel environment. Further modafinil pretreatment for two weeks followed by daily co treatment of methylphenidate prevents locomotor sensitization in laboratory animals. Results obtained demonstrated that the increase of modafinil-induced behavioral sensitization is independent on direct neuro adaptive variations in D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors. This study, therefore establish the correlation between methylphenidate and modafinil and their effect on locomotor sensitization in rats.
