Synaptic adaptations in the nucleus accumbens caused by experiences linked to relapse.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Excitatory synaptic transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) regulates the reinstatement of drug seeking, an animal model of relapse in human drug addicts. However, the functional adaptations at NAc synapses that mediate reinstatement are not clearly understood.

Methods

We assessed the behavioral responses of mice to cocaine administration by measuring locomotor stimulation and the acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement of conditioned place preference. Synaptic function was then examined by preparing acute brain slices and performing whole cell voltage-clamp recordings from individual medium spiny neurons in the NAc shell.

Results

We find that reduced excitatory synaptic strength in the NAc shell is a common functional adaptation induced by multiple

SUBMITTER: Rothwell PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3302659 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature