Hypocretin Neurotransmission Within the Central Amygdala Mediates Escalated Cocaine Self-administration and Stress-Induced Reinstatement in Rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cocaine addiction is characterized by patterns of compulsive drug-taking, including preoccupation with obtaining cocaine and loss of control over drug intake. The lateral hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin (HCRT) system has been implicated in drug-taking and the reinstatement of drug-seeking. Evidence suggests that HCRT may drive drug-seeking through activation of specific brain regions implicated in stress system dysfunction, including the central amygdala (CeA). The role of HCRT in the persistence of compulsive-like cocaine-taking has yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

Systemic and intra-CeA microinfusions of the HCRT-receptor 1 antagonist, SB-334867, were administered to rats allowed either short (1 hour; ShA) or long (6 hours; LgA) access to cocaine self-administ

SUBMITTER: Schmeichel BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5161745 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature