Cocaine-induced endocannabinoid release modulates behavioral and neurochemical sensitization in mice.

ABSTRACT: The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the development of synaptic plasticity induced by several drugs abused by humans, including cocaine. However, there remains some debate about the involvement of cannabinoid receptors/ligands in cocaine-induced plasticity and corresponding behavioral actions. Here, we show that a single cocaine injection in Swiss-Webster mice produces behavioral and neurochemical alterations that are under the control of the endocannabinoid system. This plasticity may be the initial basis for changes in brain processes leading from recreational use of cocaine to its abuse and ultimately to dependence. Locomotor activity was monitored with photobeam cell detectors, and accumbens shell/core microdialysate dopamine levels were monitored by high-performance liqu

SUBMITTER: Mereu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3913738 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature