Genetic background and epigenetic modifications in the core of the nucleus accumbens predict addiction-like behavior in a rat model.

ABSTRACT: This study provides a demonstration in the rat of a clear genetic difference in the propensity for addiction-related behaviors following prolonged cocaine self-administration. It relies on the use of selectively bred high-responder (bHR) and low-responder (bLR) rat lines that differ in several characteristics associated with "temperament," including novelty-induced locomotion and impulsivity. We show that bHR rats exhibit behaviors reminiscent of human addiction, including persistent cocaine-seeking and increased reinstatement of cocaine seeking. To uncover potential underlying mechanisms of this differential vulnerability, we focused on the core of the nucleus accumbens and examined expression and epigenetic regulation of two transcripts previously implicated in bHR/bLR differences: fibro

SUBMITTER: Flagel SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4878471 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature