3D Synaptic Organization of the Rat CA1 and Alterations Induced by Cocaine Self-Administration.

ABSTRACT: The hippocampus plays a key role in contextual conditioning and has been proposed as an important component of the cocaine addiction brain circuit. To gain knowledge about cocaine-induced alterations in this circuit, we used focused ion beam milling/scanning electron microscopy to reveal and quantify the three-dimensional synaptic organization of the neuropil of the stratum radiatum of the rat CA1, under normal circumstances and after cocaine-self administration (SA). Most synapses are asymmetric (excitatory), macular-shaped, and in contact with dendritic spine heads. After cocaine-SA, the size and the complexity of the shape of both asymmetric and symmetric (inhibitory) synapses increased but no changes were observed in the synaptic density. This work constitutes the first detailed report

SUBMITTER: Blazquez-Llorca L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7945021 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature