FACS analysis of neuronal-glial interactions in the nucleus accumbens following morphine administration.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Glia, including astrocytes and microglia, can profoundly modulate neuronal function and behavior; however, very little is known about the signaling molecules that govern neuronal-glial communication and in turn affect behavior. Morphine treatment activates microglia and astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) to induce the synthesis of cytokines and chemokines, and this has important implications for addictive behavior. Blocking morphine-induced glial activation using the nonspecific glial inhibitor, ibudilast, has no effect on the initial rewarding properties of morphine, but completely prevents the relapse of drug-seeking behavior months later.

Objectives

We sought to determine the cellular source of these cytokines and chemokines in the NAcc in response to mo

SUBMITTER: Schwarz JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4134011 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature