In vivo imaging identifies temporal signature of D1 and D2 medium spiny neurons in cocaine reward.

ABSTRACT: The reinforcing and rewarding properties of cocaine are attributed to its ability to increase dopaminergic transmission in nucleus accumbens (NAc). This action reinforces drug taking and seeking and leads to potent and long-lasting associations between the rewarding effects of the drug and the cues associated with its availability. The inability to extinguish these associations is a key factor contributing to relapse. Dopamine produces these effects by controlling the activity of two subpopulations of NAc medium spiny neurons (MSNs) that are defined by their predominant expression of either dopamine D1 or D2 receptors. Previous work has demonstrated that optogenetically stimulating D1 MSNs promotes reward, whereas stimulating D2 MSNs produces aversion. However, we still lack a clear unders

SUBMITTER: Calipari ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4791010 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature