The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2 modulates acute locomotor effects of cocaine in D1 receptor-expressing neurons of the nucleus accumbens.

ABSTRACT: The striatum is critical for cocaine-induced locomotor responses. Although the role of D1 receptor-expressing neurons is established, underlying molecular pathways are not fully understood. We studied the role of Pyk2, a non-receptor, calcium-dependent protein-tyrosine kinase. The locomotor coordination and basal activity of Pyk2 knock-out mice were not altered and major striatal protein markers were normal. Cocaine injection increased Pyk2 tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse striatum. Pyk2-deficient mice displayed decreased locomotor response to acute cocaine injection. In contrast, locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference were normal. Cocaine-activated ERK phosphorylation, a signaling pathway essential for these late responses, was unaltered. Conditional deletion of Pyk2 in

SUBMITTER: de Pins B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7170924 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature